Raven awoke slowly. She blinked at the shaft of light that was streaming in though her window. As she squinted so noticed that her curtains were not fully closed and the light was filtering through a small opening and hitting her square in the face. With a groan Raven threw her pillow over her head, trying to block out the offending sign of morning. She snuggled deeper into the plush bed and tried to go back to sleep.
It had been a late night. Aqualad had been called home and the Titans had wanted to celebrate Thanksgiving together. Raven was not sure how, but it seemed that the other Titans had discovered her love of this particular holiday. It probably had to do in part with irritation. Under the pillow, she allowed a small smile at the memory.
Speedy had walked into the common room late one morning with a grin and a CD.
"Ok, time for a little festive change around here."
Raven had raised a brow at him. Aqualad had grinned at him. "And what change would that be Speedy?"
"Simple," he said raising up the CD, "Time for some festive music. Everyone is so quiet and down when Christmas is right around the corner. I thought it would help with the mood in this place."
The twins raced to grab the CD and place it in the player. When the music came on they smiled and began to dance around Speedy who was starting to sing and pretend to play air guitar. "Rocking around the Christmas Tree at the Christmas party hop. Mistletoe hung where you can see. Ev'ry couple tries to stop. You will get a sentimental feeling when you hear voices singing 'Let's be jolly; Deck the halls with boughs of holly' Rocking around the Christmas Tree have a happy holiday."
"Stop!" With that one word the whole place went quiet as Raven stood by the CD player.
The team looked at Raven. The twins slowly walked to her. "¿Cuál es el problema?"
It was then that she realized what she had done and a blush began to work its way across her cheeks. She looked away from the group. "Nothing, sorry."
"No, es algo."
Aqualad joined them. "They are right, it's something." Raven stayed quiet and looked down, slightly embarrassed that she had let her emotions get the best of her.
Speedy came over and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "You can trust us not to laugh…..now spill it."
Raven sighed and looked up. "You played Christmas songs."
Speedy scratched his head…"Well yeah, it is almost Christmas. Do you not like this particular holiday?"
"Christmas is just fine. That's not the problem."
Aqualad spoke quietly. "Then what is the problem?"
Raven could feel herself blush. It was just such a silly thing really, and yet…"You skipped a holiday."
Speedy gave her a confused look. "What do you mean?"
Raven huffed in irritation. She knew she was going to have to explain, had known from the second she shut off the music. "You skipped Thanksgiving."
"No I didn't, we haven't had Thanksgiving yet."
"I know, but you started playing Christmas music and we haven't even had Thanksgiving yet, so it's like you are skipping it."
No one said anything. They exchanged a look and before Raven could move an inch, they all hugged her.
"Get off." But the threat had not scared them away.
Under the pillow the smile became a quiet chuckle. She really had some great friends. Since that day they had all worked to get the tower ready for a big Thanksgiving feast. All that was left was to go shopping for food. The boys had cleaned every inch of the tower until it sparkled. The whole place was decorated in fall colors and they had even brought out a large table into the main room. It was covered with brown tablecloth trimmed in red. Orange and red placemats were out with nice white china dishes with gleaming silverware and wine glasses.
The center of the table had some beautiful fall flowers. Fall wreaths and fake leaves decorated banisters and doors. Candles burned giving the scent of cinnamon and such. Outside there was snow on the ground and Raven could not help but smile. They had done anything to improve her mood. And it had worked for the most part.
She was still disappointed about the kids, but her team had tried so hard to make Thanksgiving special for her that she focused on that instead. It had gone a long way to cheering her up as had the calls from her family at Titans West. She wasn't sure what had happened (though part of her suspected her current team had a hand in whatever it was) but she had received calls from all the Titans West members. All of a sudden Robin was not so busy and Cy had time to actually talk to her. Starfire did not call her often, but when the alien did it was usually a long conversation filled with great joy and many many stories. Beast Boy had even tried cracking a joke or two when she had been on with Cy.
Raven sighed and turned over. It was no use, her brain was now awake and her plan to sleep in was soon abandoned. That did not mean she was going to get up however. It was such a warm bed after all. Raven snuggled further into the blankets as her eyes scanned the room. The thin stream of light had intensified creating a warm glow that filled the room.
The room had not been something she would have chosen on her own. She would have stuck to her dark colors and a lower bed. While Raven did not cower at the thought of change, she did not seek it out. After five month however, she had to admit that she liked her new room. It was warm and yet not overly bright. The walls were a warm blue with dark accents around doors and windows. The bed was high and extremely comfortable. It was so very soft with thick covers and fluffy pillows.
Never one for such 'girly' details, Raven had at first disliked the bed, but one night had changed her mind. She was going to miss this feature most of all. The furniture was all light oak brightening the room even more. With a bit of magic the curtains open to reveal the day.
It was cold out and had been snowing heavily for the last few days. It looked as if another fresh storm had moved in last night wiping the landscape clean. There were no signs that anyone had disturbed the peace. Despite the cold, the sun shone brightly causing the water to sparkle and the snow to gleam. It was just so peaceful and calm. Raven grinned and changed her mind. This she would miss the most. It was a spectacular view. The only thing that would make this better would be…
Just then a knock came at her door. Two voices called out in unison, " ¿Raven, usted está despierto?"
Raven sat up and quickly ran a hand through her hair remembering her appearance when Speedy had woken up. After a moment she called out, "Yes, come on in." The door swung open to reveal Mas and Menos with a small tray held between them.
"Tenemos su desayuno y su té sólo el modo que le gusta esto." The twins carefully walked forward to place the tray on her lap. True to their word the tray was filled with a small tea pot, a mug, toast and strawberry jam, and a small bowl of sliced fruit. Two small pots included milk and sugar. The napkin was folded and the silverware gleamed. She noticed three sets of silverware and three napkins as well. There were also two small plates each with toast, bacon, and eggs. She smiled down at the two small heads as she made room on her bed for them.
Mas and Menos had wormed their way into her heart very quickly. She saw them as younger brothers and Raven had a soft spot for those younger than her. Without a word the boys crawled up and they ate their breakfast in silence watching the sun on the water.
Raven smiled as she watch crumbs fall onto her comforter. When she had started this adventure, she would have thrown them out for the mess, but now she enjoyed the company. "So did you make breakfast by yourselves?"
"No, Sr. Speedy hizo el desayuno. Ayudamos unos."
Raven almost choked on her tea. "You mean Speedy is up before noon?"
A small hand patted her back. "¿Están usted OK?"
She coughed a bit to clear the tea. With watering eyes she repiled, "Yes I am fine. Just surprised that he was up. So he made breakfast?"
"Sí. Él nos dijo que podríamos llevarlo para usted. Él dice la Acción de gracias Feliz."
"Well you must thank him for making breakfast and wish him a Happy Thanksgiving for me. And thank you for helping. What did you help with?" Visions of a kitchen on fire worried Raven a bit. She had been teaching them some but had yet to allow them access to the stove by themselves. She would not have worried had it been Aqualad in charge of the cooking, but Speedy would be only too happy to give the twins free rein, if only to see what they would do. Not that Speedy would allow them to be hurt….much.
The twins smiled proudly at her. "Hicimos la tostada y preparamos la bandeja."
Raven relaxed. "Well the toast was very well done and the tray looked beautiful. Thank you. And Happy Thanksgiving to you both." In an uncharacteristic show of emotion, Raven leaned and gave each boy a brief hug. They returned the hug before looking up at her. It was almost as if this was a normal morning ritual between siblings. Raven felt at peace with the young titans. Partly because they always gave her needed space and partly because they would sit quietly during times such as these and just…sit. Yes they were fast and obnoxious, and there were times when they would not sit still, bit they just seemed to know when she needed the quiet and peace and slow pace.
They watched her as she gazed out at the water. A part of her wishing that her family could be whole today (Titans West, Aqualad, and the kids would be missing from the table tonight) and part of her simply grateful that she had such a family around her. One that would clean and decorate, and surprise her with breakfast in bed on her favorite holiday.
"¿Qué ha estado haciendo usted esta mañana?"
The question startled Raven but she didn't show it. "I tried to sleep in, but the day was just to nice. I have been watching the sun and the snow and the water."
The two heads nodded solemnly. Then they grinned. "Amigo, venga el juego con nosotros en la nieve."
Raven looked at them and at the plate of food they had worked so hard to prepare. She thought of the times she had wanted to join her friends and just had not known how. She may have been an empath, but she was by no means a people person. Finally she looked up at the two eager faces. "Alright, but only if Speedy joins us. I want to pelt him with a snowball."
The two laughed before collecting the dishes and racing off. Raven shook her head at the two retreating figures. She looked at the mug in her hands. She had thought this little mug would make her morning perfect. For the second time that day she changed her mind…two little bodies had made her morning perfect.
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Later that day found the four friends indoors, all dripping wet. Raven and the twins had formed a small alliance earlier and Speedy had not stood a chance. Three against one, and one of those with a protective shield to boot. After much complaining about it not being fair, Raven had finally dropped it in order to get Speedy to stop whining. Not that she had stopped using her powers to throw the snowballs. She figured if the twins were using their speed, she could at least use her powers. It wasn't her fault that Speedy had come unprepared for a double attack.
There had been laughter and shouts and mock anger from the boys and even a few smirks from Raven as the war continued. She had never been in a real snowball fight. Previous years she had opted out, the Titans simply taking her no for an answer and leaving her be. They had come to think of her no as law and had not pushed the matters involved.
This team, Speedy in particular, did not take no for an answer. Unless she could give an explanation as to why she was required to participate. With this rule in place, they found that Raven said no less and less, though the yes was still reluctant much of the time. She had learned that it just wasted her breath to argue with Speedy if she did not have a compelling argument.
And because of that she now found herself covered in slush dripping in a hallway and freezing, and yet she was happy and content and she would have never thought herself capable of such feelings without something blowing up, never mind while she was freezing and soaking wet. They separated all heading off to the showers, and starting to get ready for the rest of the day. Raven still had to get groceries and drop the twins off at a doctors appointment. Lucky for them they had a friend who was a physician and the twins had been hurt in a fight a few weeks ago. They had hit heads pretty hard. The doctor had been booked when it came to a checkup but as a favor he had set up the appointment for this morning. He wasn't really concerned, but he still didn't want to leave any chances. Raven figured she could grab the twins, drop them off, go to the store, and pick them up on her way home to cook dinner. They had the turkey but she needed some other essentials. And there was no way she was trusting Speedy to do it. She had been taught by Cy and she had a very specific way to do things.
And this was the least she could do for friends like these. She wanted to do this for them, and now she finally had the skills to do it. Cy had spent hours upon hours teaching her and now that teaching was about to pay off. Raven was preparing her list as the boys were getting ready to go. Speedy sat at the TV flipping channels. He had offered to go too, but Raven had refused. For once he had taken no for an answer without explanation.
Raven was gathering things together and checking over her lest when she felt a tickle at the base of her neck. She could sense people she knew but she brushed it off. She was starting to know many people around the town. Many she could name, though she rarely held a conversation. She may be working on her social skills, but she was still Raven and Raven did not do people well. It was still uncomfortable for her.
She tried to ignore the tickle but it grew and grew in the back of her mind until there was a knock on the door. The boys did not move so Raven rolled her eyes and went to get the door. As she opened it she stared at three pairs of wide eyes and three happy grins. All at once she was mobbed as the children sang out "Raven!"
Raven was mobbed as she looked in wonder at the three familiar faces. For once her grace and eloquence escaped her. A wide eyed Raven stared as she stammered, "Wha? How? But? You…."
Raven looked up in wonder as Mas, Menos, Speedy, and Aqualad looked down beaming. "Surprise!"
Raven pushed off the floor and found herself sitting on the floor near the door with Melvin still hanging on her neck. In Ravens lap sat Teether and clinging to her back as well as his blankie was Timmy. Finally her voice seemed to work. "But how?" And she looked up at the smiling face of Aqualad. Her normally sharp brain had not yet caught up to her. "And what are you doing here? You're supposed to be at home for the holidays." She glared accusingly at the lad.
He grinned apologetically. He rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, we don't really celebrate Thanksgiving…at least not at the same time as you all. And someone needed to pick up the kids."
Her accusatory glare turned to Speedy. "And just how do you all know about the kids?" She opened her empathic power hoping to catch a feeling of guilt. There was none. Her eyes widened. She looked around and raised a brow, "Ok, was it Robin or Cy?"
Teether giggled and pet her head. "Not posed to tell you." The other children covered little mouths and giggled along with the youngest of the group who was still petting Raven's hair. Raven's look of bewilderment dissipated and a small smile emerged.
She looked around at all the faces surrounding her. In a voice so soft it was barely heard she whispered to those above her as she hugged the small children close. "Thank you."
The boys beamed. That was the same as praise shouted from the rooftops from anyone else. Speedy smiled at her as the tender moment passed. He reached a hand out to help her up. The youngest still clung to her front while the second youngest clung to her back. The girl looked up and smiled.
Speedy glanced around. "So you gonna introduce us to your brood?" He vaguely remembered the young children, but he really had only seen them briefly once. Though he remembered something about a fourth figure…maybe…but he didn't really trust the memory, after all he had just gotten over being frozen.
Raven rolled her eyes at him but the tiny smile remained. She signaled to the girl. "This is Melvin, the leader of the group, the monkey on my back is Timmy, and this sticky fingers is Teether." Despite the names Raven had a fond look in her eyes for the young group. She looked at Melvin. "Where's Bobby?"
The girl smiled shyly. "He was scared so he's hiding out front. And he wasn't sure there was room for him." Ah, so there was a fourth. He smiled, proud that he had remembered so well.
Raven strode to the door after placing the two boys on the floor and swung it open. "Come on in Bobby. There's plenty of room, but you can stay hiding if you want." Speedy looked around for anything or anyone. The wind whistled through the door. Raven glanced at the girl who had her arm up in the air, as if holding a hand of someone much taller than herself. "Is he in Melvin.?"
The girl nodded. Raven closed the door and turned to inquisitive eyes. Speedy was first to approach Raven. He spoke in whispered tones just loud enough for the others to hear. "Um, Rae, there's no one there."
Raven smiled and winked at Melvin. "Bobby is Melvin's imaginary friend."
"Oh." Speedy's grin faded slightly. So maybe his memory wasn't that great after all. Just then Raven looked up.
"Oh no! Mas, Menos, we need to leave, go get your stuff." The boys nodded and raced off. Raven looked around already in leader mode. So now she had to get the boys to the doctor…they were already late, and still get groceries, though now she needed some more. Five more mouths at the table than expected. There also needed to be beds made ready. The thought of dragging the kids around the store was not a pleasant thought but it could not be helped.
She looked down at them as Mas and Menos made it back all ready to go. "Ok guys, feel like going on a shopping trip?" This would certainly cut down on her anonymity but oh well. She would deal. The twins might just have to wait for her.
"Mas, Menos, you might just have to wait for me after the doctor since I have extra kids and food to get." The boys nodded as Raven prepared everyone to go. Aqualad spoke up. "Why don't I take the twins to the doctor? That way you don't have to worry about that." Raven looked up and nodded.
"Good idea. That would help. That way I only have to worry about these three monsters."
Aqualad saluted and winked as he herded the twins out. Raven was working on getting coats on. Speedy walked over. "Want help Princess?"
Raven chose to ignore the comment, instead pinning him with a look. "Yes, I need beds and such ready for the kids." Speedy made a face at the chore, but shrugged his shoulders.
"You got it boss."
Raven was already lecturing the kids about discretion and that they were on a schedule if she was going to get dinner out at a decent hour. Speedy stopped, an idea forming. He turned, "Hey Rae, how are you getting to the store?"
She glanced up from her task. "The car, why?"
"But Aqualad took the car with the twins."
She smirked at him, seeing where this was going. "We have more than one car Speedy."
"Yeah, but do we have extra car seats for the kids?"
Raven paused before smacking her head. "Crap."
"Just leave the rugrats here. They can pick the room they want and everything."
Raven was frantically going through ideas in her head. What could she do? She couldn't drive up without them in car seats, at least not the younger ones. She could phase over with them, but that was not exactly keeping a low profile. Finally Speedy's suggestion registered. "No."
"Oh come on Rae. You could be in and out in a few minutes without them."
"Yeah, but that would mean leaving them alone with you."
"Hey, I think I should be insulted."
"You think?"
"Look, I'm great with kids. And besides how much trouble could we get into?" Speedy put on his best innocent look.
Raven raised a brow. Speedy held up his hands laughing, "Nevermind, don't answer that. But really Rae, we will be fine for a bit. Trust me."
Damn, that trust line again. Raven heaved a sigh. She looked down at the kids. "What do you think?"
Melvin smiled. "We'll be ok. You go to the store."
"Ok, fine. But I warn you."
"Yeah yeah, just go already."
With a sense of foreboding Raven went to do the shopping.
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Speedy looked at the kids before him. He clapped his hands together and smiled. "So, where do you want to sleep? We need to get the beds together. So three?"
Melvin looked up. "Bobby needs a bed too."
Speedy looked down at wide eyes. How could he say no. "Ok, four beds it is then."
Timmy chimed in, "And I want to be near Raven."
Teether grabbed his hand. "Me too."
With a smile and a nod the small crew was off to make beds.
In no time beds and rooms were ready and now Speedy was at a loss. The tower wasn't exactly set up for kids. All the games were for young adults and with some being younger, he wasn't sure what to do. Which is how he found himself on the couch watching a food show about how to make pumpkin cookies. Which led to the kids talking about wanting to do something to help Raven. Which led to Speedy looking for ingredients to make said cookies, and ultimately chaos began.
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Raven was back in record time. Luckily she had extra motivation. Nothing extra was purchased and she knew where everything was so she had not been gone more than forty minutes. As the car entered the underground garage, she noticed that the twins and Aqualad were just entering as well. The boys helped grab bags and on up they went.
They could hear laughing coming from the main area of the tower as they entered the hall, but nothing had prepared Raven for what came next. The doors opened and before Raven could get out two words she was hit in the face with a handful of powder.
Everything stopped as the others stared in horror. Speedy quickly tossed his hand behind his back attempting to hide the evidence of flour on his hands.
Raven scanned the room. Every surface was coved in flour. Couches, counters, floors, and walls were coated in the white substance. In the middle of the room stood Speedy in a cooks hat and apron also covered in flour. The children surrounded him all in aprons and hats much too large for their little bodies. They looked like small ghosts. The wide eyes followed her every move gauging her reaction.
Slowly she raised a hand and wiped her face. She scanned each face, still not saying a word. No one moved, no one breathed, and then Raven began to snicker. The snicker grew into a giggle, and the giggle turned into a little laugh.
By now the kids were unfrozen and they looked at each other and they joined in. They started to laugh even louder and soon were rolling on the floor in glee. The boys still stood slack jawed. It was true that Raven was becoming more and more open, but a smile was still a rare treat. It also meant that a laugh was almost unheard of.
Just then the main screen came to life to reveal the faces of the Titans West all shouting "Happy Thanksgiving" only to stop and stare at the scene. At that instant, Bobby seemed to get over his shyness and he popped up next to Speedy, laughing with the kids. Speedy shouted in fright at the appearance of the giant stuffed bear. As his butt hit the floor, powder exploded into a cloud around him. "Who the hell is that?"
Melvin stopped laughing long enough to look at Speedy, her little hands on her hips. "That's Bobby."
He looked up in a daze at the giant creature. "Your imaginary friend?"
"Just cuz he's imaginary doesn't mean he's not real."
At that, Raven began to laugh even harder, holding her stomach trying to quiet herself, and not succeeding. Tears began to stream down her face and pillows, chairs, and books began to raise into the air. By now the shock had worn off for the Titans East and they began to laugh with her. The Titans West were still staring wide eyes. Beast Boy peered at Raven with concern.
"They broke Raven."
Cyborg glared at that. "Well then they better damn well fix her."
It was the first time Raven had lost control with laughter, and in the end it had not caused harm to any, it had not broken anything, it had all been ok. Everyone had cleaned up, Raven had cooked, and it had been one of the best Thanksgivings she could remember. And with the giant screens and communicators, the towers had Thanksgiving together, all eating and talking together. Her whole family was there and that had made all the difference.
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Whoo, I updated faster than normal. Sorry I have yet to respond to any reviews. I will answer some questions though. Yes you are noticing some Speedy and Raven. I think Speedy just has the attitude to pull Raven out of her shell. This does not mean it will be a Raven Speedy pairing. (Though I love the pairing) Yes you will see more Rob Rae…soon because she will heading back to Titans West. As for my play, I am in Nunsense. It has been wild. Ok, there is maybe one really long chapter left, maybe two slightly less long chapters. Thank you all for the reviews and support.