A few weeks later …

"And in today's top news, New York's hottest celebrity couple, Gar Logan and Jillian Jackson were seen cavorting on Park Avenue, spending money like it was …"

The TV suddenly shut off. Raven, who thought she was watching Superhero Magazine by herself, craned her neck as she turned around to see who had turned off the set. As expected, it was Cyborg, who had a remote control built into his arm.

"Why do you watch that crap?" He asked her in a stern tone.

"Why? Isn't it obvious? Because I want to know what he's doing."

Cyborg sat down next to her. He placed one of his massive metal hands on her shoulder.

"Girl, you need to be patient."

"What if you're wrong?"

"Then you'll need to move on."

"That isn't very comforting." She grumbled.

The tin man sighed. "I talked to him yesterday."

Raven perked up. "You did? What did he say?"

"If you're hoping that he told me that he's ready to ditch Jill and come back, well … no … he didn't say that."

"What. Did. He. Say?" She asked in a clearly impatient and annoyed tone.

"If it makes you happy, Jill was very upset that he was gone for so long."

"He said that?"

Cyborg grinned smugly. "I told ya … give it time Raven … in fact you should hope it will take time. You don't want him to come back too soon … cuz if he comes back and you're still behaving the same old way …"

"I like to think I've made some progress."

"Good … see, I told you seeing Steve was the right thing to do. Hey … can I ask you a question?"

"Sure … why not?"

"What did Nightwing tell you the other night, you know, when he asked you to go with him? I only ask because you seemed out of sorts when I saw you later."

Raven felt her chest tighten. To her credit, her face did not betray how she was feeling.

"He shared something personal with me, something I'm not at liberty to tell you. He also told me that he was going to backfill Gar's old position with Kid Flash and Jinx."

"He pulled you aside for that?"

"He seemed to think it was important."

Cyborg nodded. "By the way, there's some other news that Nightwing hasn't announced yet … we're going to a super hero conference in Metropolis. Supes is calling it."

"A conference?"

"Yeah, a superhero pow wow. Most of the Justice League will be there, even Bats is going."

"And we've been invited?"

Cyborg nodded. "I received the invite just an hour ago. I talked to Nightwing and he agrees we should go. But guess who else is going to be there?"

Raven became slack jawed. "Gar?"

Cyborg's face was split in half by a huge grin. "That's right girl, the Doom Patrol has confirmed they will be attending. Your green bean is gonna be there."

Raven became slack jawed. Cyborg gently closed her pie hole with his index finger.

"I … I … what am I going to do?" She stammered.

"What you're gonna do, girl, is be very cordial with him. You're gonna let him know that he's still your friend and that you still care about him. What you're not gonna do is go psycho-bitch on Jillian. He needs to see all the progress you've made in therapy. In other words … you're gonna impress him and that's gonna make him think about you. But what you can't do is appear desperate, that's the kiss of death. You gotta remember, Raven, despite all the bad things that have happened between you guys, he still has feelings for you."

"You seem very sure about this." She asked in a skeptical tone.

"It's a no brainer. There's no way Jill can truly understand BB, she ain't a superhero. She just doesn't get what it means to be one, civilians only see the glamour, but you and I know better … we understand the blood, sweat and tears that come with being a hero, the personal sacrifice that's involved. They're doomed, Raven, I could already hear it in his voice. He's still in denial, he just won't admit it. But she'll get fed up with him and all of the luggage that comes with being a superhero … plus he told me something else."

Raven gave him a look that said "well, spit it out." Cyborg grinned.

"Jill's ex is putting the moves on her. BB told me that he cornered the dude and read him the riot act, warning him to stay away from Jill. He said the guy didn't back down … it's already over, Raven, it's just a question of time. And when everything blows up, you, the new and improved Raven 2.0, will be there to pick him up and console him. He's already yours, girl … you'll only lose him if you screw up."

Raven gave him one of her tiny smiles. "Thanks, Victor … you're a good friend."

"Hey, I just want you and B to be happy."

-( - )-

Jill's smartphone trilled. She was alone in the guest house while Beast Boy was training with the team, a training session that should have ended 30 minutes ago as there was another high society party that night, and she was fed up with those snobby soirées. If she got stuck making polite conversation with the revolting Mrs. Rothschild … no jury would convict her.

She looked at the phone's display. She frowned when she saw that it was a message from Rita. It simply said "Meet me in the house."

Jill groaned. Since still hadn't recovered from the reaming she received after Gar ditched training to spend an afternoon with her, which culminated with a romp in the hay in a hotel room in Manhattan, where they remained anonymous as Gar wore a pair of Cyborg's old holorings when they checked in as Mr. and Mrs. Smith.

To say that Mento and Elastigirl were livid was an understatement. Even though Beast Boy took full responsibility for playing hooky Rita read Jill the riot act. She grew to 30 feet tall as she bellowed at the poor blond, reminding her that the superhero responsibilities came first and that there would be plenty of time at night to have sex.

Jill was livid too, and she countered that she wanted more from BB than an occasional roll in the hay, that she wanted to spend more quality time with him. Rita's final words were that Jill would either learn her place in the grand scheme of things or she would soon find that she had no place at all.

Jill hopped on a scooter that Gar bought for her, a Tidwell 4000, and rode up to the house. She felt as if she had a brick in her stomach as she approached the mansion.

Rita was waiting for her, with her arms crossed. She looked disheveled and sweaty from the training session and the expression on her face made it clear that this wasn't a social call.

"Walk with me." She curtly instructed the young woman.

The women walked away from the mansion.

"First of all, you don't need to come to the party tonight. It's become more than obvious that you'd rather have a gasoline enema than attend our social functions. Just for the record I included you in those events even though you are neither family nor a member of the Doom Patrol. You probably don't understand what a big deal it is to be invited to our parties. I can reassure you that we have been on the receiving end of raised eyebrows by our guests over including you in our social life. Surely you have noticed that no one else has invited you to their social events. But you know what really grinds my gears, Jill? That you don't know how to behave. Mrs. Rothschild has complained about you more than once."

"She's a freaking blowhard!" Jill exploded. "She can't even remember my name! And I've never been rude to her, even though she always acts like an ass!"

Rita glared at the young woman.

"Mrs. Rothschild is not a blowhard. Unlike you, she is an important person. As for not remembering your name, that's a game she likes to play with younger people."

"Why is she so damn important?"

Rita frowned. "Being that you're a wage slave, you wouldn't understand, but I'll explain it to you anyway … years ago, before we met and adopted Garfield, Dayton Industries fell on hard times. Things were so bad that we were going to lose control of the company, we had a shareholders' revolt on our hands. And without the company's resources there's no Doom Patrol. Edna's late husband, Abernathy, came to our rescue. He bought billions of dollars in company stock, and between his and our holdings we kept control of the company. He also arranged for a line of credit … he is a Rothschild after all … which kept the company afloat until it got back on its feet. And he did this because he believed in the Doom Patrol. Abernathy has since passed away, and our moral debt to him cannot be repaid. And yes, Edna is a dithering, senile old woman. But we will always treat her with respect and courtesy out of gratitude for what her husband did for us. Is that understood?"

Jill bit her lower lip. "Yes, Rita, understood."

"Good … listen Jill … I know you think of me as the wicked witch of the west, but I'm actually on your side. Why do you think I've insisted on having you attend our social events? It's because I want our social circle to consider you as one of us. That said, you don't have to come tonight, though I would prefer if you did."

"I'll come, Rita."

The elastic woman smiled. "Excellent, let's go shopping, I think we could use some new dresses … and this time I'll let you choose your own."

Jill smiled. "Thanks."

The women continued walking. "There's something else … we're going to Metropolis tomorrow, and I would like you to come with us. It's a superhero meeting. Obviously, you won't get to participate during the work meetings, though you'll get to observe. But there will be receptions in the evenings, which you can participate in more directly. Of course you and Garfield will have your own room."

"A superhero meeting? Does that mean Raven …"

"Yes … the Titans have been invited … you understand what's at stake here, don't you Jill?"

The blond nodded. "Yes … I do."

Rita smiled. "It won't be hard, dear. Raven will probably go off the deep end when she sees you and Garfield together, and when that happens, we will be rid of her for good. So … can I count on you?"

Jill smiled. "You certainly can."

-( - )-

Metropolis, it was a shining jewel of the American Midwest, a hub of technology, innovation and prosperity. It was also the hometown of two very different men: Kal El, AKA Superman and Lex Luthor.

Jill stared out of the jet's porthole as it flew over the city's modern downtown skyline. Their destination was an old military base that was beyond the city limits. Beast Boy was sitting next to her and as the approached the military airfield where they were to land he saw a familiar sight, the orange T-ship was already there.

"It'll be good to see the old gang again … I kind of miss them."

"What about Raven?" Jill asked.

"She's still my friend … Jill … I'm glad you came, but you've got nothing to worry about."

She leaned over and kissed him. "I know … but if I was her, I would be doing everything possible to win you back."

"Don't worry … Raven is very professional when it comes to the hero biz, she isn't gonna make a scene or try to win me back, not at a conference."

Cliff guided the Doom Patrol jet to a perfect landing on the base's runway. They were greeted by the Martian Manhunter who sent them off to a nearby hangar, which had been converted into a meeting hall, full of round tables where the different attendees would sit. At this point the conference, whose topic was fostering greater cooperation between different superhero teams, had yet to begin and the attendees were busy socializing. Mento proudly led his team in, and as they approached Superman, the changeling heard a familiar voice boom in the crowd.

"Yo! B! Long time no see!"

Beast Boy grinned as he took Jill's hand. "Come on; let's go see the old gang."

The young couple ran towards the Titans and Titans East, who had already formed their own clique and were keeping to themselves.

"Hey Chrome Dome! You're as shiny as ever!"

"And you still smell like tofu! Come here, you old dog."

The two friends exchanged a quick hug, which was quickly interrupted by a boisterous Tamaranian, who quickly shoved the bionic Titan aside and wrapped her arms around the changeling.

"Oh dear friend, I have missed you so much!"

"I've missed you too, Star. You're as pretty as ever, you Tamaranian cutie!"

Starfire giggled at his remark. "And you are as dashing as ever."

"Meaning not at all." The pink haired hextress snickered. "Oh don't pout Beast Boy, I was just kidding."

"Who's that bitch?" Jill whispered to her beau.

"That's Jinx. She used to be a villain, until Kid Flash got her on the straight and narrow." He replied out loud.

"And we're now Titans, Jinx and I moved into your old room." Wally interjected before shaking his hand.

Nightwing and Raven approached next. Nightwing extended a very formal handshake to the changeling.

"Good to see you again, Beast Boy. I hope the Doom Patrol is treating you well."

Finally, Raven stepped forward. She placed her hands on his shoulders. She gave him a chaste peck on the cheek while Jill watched with a jaundiced eye. "I'm happy to see you, Gar."

He returned her chaste kiss. "Right back at'cha, Rave. How have you been?"

"I've been good. I've been seeing a therapist for a while now … it's been a positive experience so far. How about you, how have you been?"

"Oh, you know, Mento runs a tight ship."

Gar took Jill's hand and pulled her into the crowd.

"You guys remember Jill, right? Mento brought her along as an observer."

"Uh … hi?" Jill nervously waved her hind.

"Well … hello little lady! So you haven't gotten tired of the grass stain yet, have you?" Cyborg joked as he shook her hand.

"Cy! That's not cool!" BB protested.

Jill smiled shyly. "I don't think I could ever get tired of Garfield."

Starfire was next. "I welcome you." She curtly greeted the blond.

Jinx was next. "So you're the girl who stole Beast Boy from Raven." She grinned maliciously.

"I did no such thing." Jill fumed.

"OoooKaaay." Jinx replied just before Kid Flash led her away.

"Jinx is just a big kidder." Nightwing joined the conversation. "Don't take anything she says seriously. It's nice to see you again, Jillian." He shook her hand.

Jill politely shook Nightwing's hand, which felt as hard as a rock. Jill recalled when she challenged Raven, boasting that she knew Karate. Only now did it sink in just how foolish she must have come across. Nightwing didn't have any superpowers and yet he was very intimidating. His physique was incredible, there was no doubt he treated his body as if it was a temple.

Raven on the other hand, looked … ordinary. Unlike Batgirl, who was chatting with Cyborg, Raven didn't have bulging muscles. She was short, barely over 5 feet tall and looked completely unassuming. Yet Gar told Jill that Raven was the mightiest of the Titans. Jill recalled how Raven, in a fit of anger at the Ball, blasted Gar with her powers, sending him flying like a rag doll into a wall. She also recalled Raven's words before that happened: "I'm not 'another woman' … I'm practically your wife."

Raven was chatting again with Garfield, occasionally touching him as they spoke. For a split second Jill felt a twinge of guilt, wondering if perhaps Jinx was right, that she stole Garfield from Raven. The thought only lasted a moment, and another thought formed in her mind as she balled her fists.

You had your chance witch, and I know what you're doing. You can't have him, don't even think about it, he's mine now.

Jill's thoughts were interrupted by Superman, who announced that it was time to begin the meetings. She watched as Raven patted Gar on the back before he returned to her. He took Jill's hand and led her to the table where the Doom Patrol was seated.

"You OK, babe? You seem kind of tense."

"I wish you wouldn't hang out with her."

"Raven? … Come on, she's just a friend now."

"Really? You both seemed pretty cozy with each other."

"She was telling me about her therapy and you know, I was encouraging her to continue … you don't have anything to worry about."

"She's your ex."

"She's my friend." He corrected her. "You need to get used to that, Jill. She isn't my lover anymore."

"You mean you don't feel awkward about hanging out with her?"

"I don't hang out with her. I haven't seen her in months and I just wanted to catch up with her, you know, to see if she's OK."

"I just wish you never had to see her."

"We're both in the superhero biz. It's a small club … Jill … Raven and I are going to run into each other every once in a while, it's even possible that in the future the Doom Patrol and the Titans will have joint missions … I understand how you feel, but you don't have anything to worry about …"

"I can't believe you're so clueless!" She snapped at him.

"What are you talking about?" He glared.

"Can't you tell she's putting on an act?"

The changeling frowned at his girlfriend. "Raven has a lot of issues, if anyone should know that, it's me. But she isn't a phony. Now will you just relax?"

They took their seats at the table. Rita had also been watching his interaction with Raven and she gave her son a mild glare. He suppressed a wince. Now he had two women on his case.

-( - )-

That night at the Metropolis Ritz Hotel …

"Gar, would you zip me up?"

The green changeling was more than happy to oblige, and he graciously pulled up the zipper on the back of Jill's dress. She turned around and struck a sassy pose. "Well what do you think?"

He smiled as he replied. "If you were any hotter, you'd be on fire."

She rewarded him with a passionate kiss. "You're looking pretty good yourself in that tux."

"You ready to head down to the party?"

"Sure." She smiled, before kissing him again.

They were the last ones to arrive. Jill quickly scanned the room. Superheroes were good looking people. The men all looked handsome and chiseled in their tuxedos and the women were just as stunning in their evening gowns, which highlighted their perfect figures. Those with secret identities wore their masks.

"Whoa." She whispered to her boyfriend. "Is there such a thing as an ugly superhero?"

"Jinx." He whispered back.

"Oh yeah … What does he see in her?"

"You got me." He noticed she was staring into the crowd.

"There she is." Jill whispered again as BB saw her as well. Raven was the only woman present who wasn't wearing a dress, and was instead dressed in her winter costume, with the fur trim on her cape and hood. She was sitting alone at the Titans table while her teammates mingled with the crowd.

"Raven isn't one for social occasions. I'm pretty sure Nightwing ordered her to attend. She'll probably sit there the entire evening. I'm surprised she didn't bring a book with her."

The banquet began shortly and after the first course was consumed a band began to play some Glen Miller music. Gar offered his hand to Jill and led her to the dancing floor, where they danced until the next course was served. Jill noticed that no one asked Raven to dance and the soceress passively watched the others on the dance floor.

The second course was a soup and after it was consumed the band began to play again. Gar stood up, but didn't offer Jill his hand. She looked perplexed.

"I'm going to ask Raven to dance."

Her face fell. "You're what?"

"Come on, no one's gonna ask her to dance. And besides, she hates dancing."

"They why ask her?"

"Because she needs to learn to relax and enjoy herself."

"Gar!"

"Hey, I'm yours the rest of the evening. Look, after she's danced with me, other guys will ask her."

"Fine." Jill sighed as she watched Gar approach Raven. Jill snickered when she saw Raven's terror stricken face when he asked her to dance. Gar smiled and kept offering her his hand. Finally she gave in and joined him in dancing a waltz. Jill watched with great interest. Raven was at first as stiff as a board, but after a couple of minutes she appeared to thaw. Gar was clearly teaching her the steps, which she stumbled through at first. A few minutes later the orchestra completed the piece and the dancers stopped and clapped their approval of the performance. As the next session began, Speedy cut in and began to dance with Raven. Gar hurried back to Jill.

"See? Told ya." He gloated as he extended his hand to her.

As they danced she leaned forward and whispered into his ear. "You really do care about her that much, don't you?"

"Of course I do. Raven was my friend before she was my lover. She isn't my lover anymore, but she's still my friend."

"I guess I'll have to trust you on that. I mean, I've told a few guys over the years that we'd still be friends … but, come on, no one believes that."

"Did any of your old boyfriends ever save your life?"

"I know, I know … you wouldn't be here if not for Raven."

"You're right I wouldn't be here … I'd be dead."

"OK, so maybe you guys still are friends. I still think you're too damn forgiving. You should have seen the look on her face when she blasted you at the Ball. I thought she was going to kill you."

"She was pretty peeved."

"Peeved? More like demon bitch from hell."

"Don't say that. It was my fault, I went too far, I should have known better."

"So why forgive her?"

"What good would holding a grudge do? I would much rather be her friend than be pissed with her."

"Like I already said, you're too damn forgiving."

"Tell me that isn't one of the reasons you love me."

She leaned forward and nibbled on his ear. "You also have other redeeming qualities."

-( scene break )-

No screen time for Steve today.