First Time Chapter 14: Burning down the house, a teen titans fanfic

Saying he wanted to search for Terra's twin was one thing, actually finding her was another. A more complicated another. Gar didn't know where to start his search or even how. He didn't know the name of the person he was looking for or what state she even lived in. What if she wasn't even in America? What if her life had taken an unfortunate turn like her sister? How was he supposed to find her when he didn't even know the basics? He couldn't figure out where to start in all this so he enlisted the hlep of his best friend. Gar didn't have to wait long and soon Vic was in his basement walking down the rickety wooden steps that squeaked under his weight.

"Alright, I'm here," Vic announced as his feet touched the ground. "What's the emergency?"

"Terra's twin," Gar answered, looking at his friend from where he sat.

Vic's expression was flat. "... I'm gone."

He turned around to leave but Gar jumped on his back. "Dude, please!"

"Dammit, Gar, let go! I don't wanna get involved-"

"But I said please-"

"And I said no," Vic countered as he successfully shook Gar off his back. He turned around to glare at him and noticed Gar was ready to jump him again so he pointed a finger warningly. "Don't even try it."

"But dude I need your help!" pleaded Gar, his hands clasped in front of him in a begging manner. "I don't know what to do."

"And what makes you think I do?"

"Helloooo! You're a compter nerd. Can't you just like, I don't know, do some secret service shit on your lap top and find her for me?"

Vic sat down on an old chair. "This isn't some TV show, Gar. It's not that simple. I don't know how to search for somebody."

Gar sat down opposite of him, looking dejected. He really thought Vic would be able to help, especially since he was so organized and collective. When they were kids Vic was the one who always knew where everything was at. He was always able to find something that was missing too, like that time Gar lost his favorite key chain. Gar smirked a little, thinking that if this was a TV show Vic would be like a P. I.

That's when an idea came to him and his eyes widened. He sat up enthusiastically. "That's it!"

Vic jumped back, startled, and raised a brow. "Huh?"

"I know what to do now," Gar said confidently, grinning. "I'll hire a P. I."

"Gar, that's stupid."

"Not-uh. It could work. I'll get the name of Terra's mom and the hospital she had the girls in from Brion, give it to the P. I., and he'll take it from there."

"And how do you expect to pay for this P. I.?" Vic asked, standing up with his eyes narrowed. "They ain't cheap. And I doubt the salary from your part time job is gonna cover it."

Gar swore. Vic had a point. There was no way his part time job at one of Jump City's play houses would cover the price for a private investigator. He supposed he could stop volunteering at the animal shelter, which he did a few times a month, and take that time to put to use on something that pays. He frowned as he thought of different ways to come up with enough money. He didn't have much now, because he wasn't a big saver, but he did know some people who were.

"Maybe I could ask someone for a small loan," he mused out loud as he paced around his seat, thinking of Roy, Kori, and Toni. Each of them had deep pockets, and eventually he would pay them back.

Vic took hold of Gar's shoulders and spun him around so they were facing each other. He gave him a little shake before releasing him. "Gar, do you hear yourself? This is insane! Why are you even doing this?"

Gar moved away from him, defensive. "Because I have to! This girl... she's Terra's sister. Terra didn't even know about her but I bet if she did she would have wanted to get to know her. I can do that in her place."

"But that's not your responsibility. She's a Markov, not a Logan. This has nothing to do with you. I mean, have you even asked Brion how he feels?"

Gar lowered his eyes, looking guilty. "No... but I mean, he's busy so I don't want to bother him and..." He paused, unsure of what else to say.

"It sounds like you're trying to play hero or something," Vic observed disapprovingly. "Man this whole thing is messed up. It's not healthy for you."

Gar scoffed and crossed his arms. He rolled his eyes. "What do you know? You're not a doctor."

"What I know is that this girl you wanna search for doesn't know you. What do you expect will happen if you meet her? You think you're going to be best friends? More than friends? Do you think she's going to listen to you when you start going on about a dead twin she never met?"

Gar glared at him. He knew Vic made a valid point and he resented him for it; mostly because he didn't know how to reply to him. He didn't know what to expect from this girl, it's not like he wanted anything from her. Not particularly. He just wanted the chance to talk to her, to get to know her. Why was this such a problem?

"I don't have to explain myself to you," Gar snapped. "You're supposed to be my best friend. You're supposed to be on my side."

"I am on your side-"

"Then prove it! Prove it by supporting me. Help me find her," Gar pleaded, his tone softer. He knew he was being unfair by playing the friend card, but desperate times called for desperate measures. "Please."

Vic sighed. A moment of silence passed between them as Vic debated with himself. Personally he thought Gar's idea was a bad one, but he was still his best buddy and he needed to be there for him. It was what friends do.

"Fine... I'll help you."

Gar smiled, relieved and grateful. "Thanks."

Raven stood in front of her locker, facing the inside of the open door. She had a mirror there, one she got recently, and was frowning at it as she ran her fingers through her hair. Perhaps, she pondered, she should let it grow out instead of keeping it so short? She narrowed her eyes at her reflection, realizing the only reason she was even considering the idea was because of Joey.

He thought she was gorgeous the way she looked now; but she had remembered a magazine article one of the girl's brought over to a sleep over ages ago that said boys loved when a girl's hair was long. If she was to grow out her hair would Joey find her more attractive?

"Ugh... what's become of me?" she groaned, slamming her locker door. She wasn't the type to fuss over her looks. That was more of her friends style. Just because her and Joey were an item now didn't mean she had to get sucked in like other girls did at the start of a new relationship. She was better than that. She had to assure herself of this, so she spoke out loud. "I'm keeping it short."

"Keeping what short?" Joey asked before blowing into her ear.

Raven jumped forward, startled, and clapped one hand over her ear and the other over her heart which was beating fast. She turned around so she could glare at the smiling blonde. "Joey, what the hell! If you're going to scare someone it shouldn't be me!"

Joey had to laugh, but a punch in the arm from Raven made him stop. "I'm sorry, I couldn't help it. I had the perfect opportunity after you shut your locker. Nice mirror by the way. When you'd get it?"

Raven looked away, trying to seem indifferent but failing since her cheeks burned red. "It's just something Kori got me."

"Really? She knows you're not the type to use it."

She looked at him and crossed her arms. It was obvious by his grinning face that he was messing with her. "Fine. I brought it a few days ago."

"A few days ago when we...," he wiggled his eyebrows expectantly, causing her to sigh.

Ravrn rolled her eyes. "Yes, when we officially decided to be a couple."

Joey's grin widened. "So how's my wonderful girlfriend this morning?"

"Fine until you showed up."

Joey placed a hand over his heart and stumbled backwards, his back against the lockers. "I'm wounded!"

"You're fine. Stop being a drama queen."

Joey slide to the floor. "Nope, I'm really wounded this time. I need your special touch in order to be healed."

Raven extended a hand to him. "This is the best I can do for now."

Joey took her hand and she helped him up, a smile appearing on his face. "It's okay. I'm fine with just this."

Raven removed her hand from his, her eyes lowered in guilt. "It's not that I'm embarrassed of you or anything. I'm just... I'm not..."

"Raven, it's okay. You're not used to this sort of thing. And even if you were you're more private than others. I respect that. In fact, I wouldn't mind it if more people had your type of thinking. Too many couples be slobbering all over each other in public. I've seen dogs with less salvia."

"It's not only that... I feel like I'm being unfair to you since I'm not ready for everyone to know about us," Raven explained.

Although she said 'everyone' she really only meant Gar, but, even with her little experience, she knew that wasn't something you were supposed to tell your boyfriend. Joey had been a saint and so understanding since their first date two weeks ago. She couldn't tell him the reason she wanted to keep their relationship a secret was because of Gar. She had to be mindful of Gar's feelings; after all he had been so upset after she announced she was going on one date with Joey, and they hadn't spoke since then except for the occassional hello.

How would he react if he knew the two were official? He'd be furious, and Raven didn't want that; not after seeing what lighting a fire under his ass could really do. Her and Gar had hung out for most of the summer, and for most the first weeks of the new school year. Only saying hi to each other felt weird, and she missed being able to talk to him properly. She would wait for things to go back to normal before telling everyone Joey was her boyfriend.

"Like I said," began Joey. "It's cool. You don't have to feel bad. I'll wait for as long as you want me to because I like you that much. You're my girlfriend. As long as you're happy, I'll be happy, too."

Raven had heard stories of boys who said words like that before and they never ended good, but when Joey said them she believed him. He was incrediably sweet and patient with her. Despite feeling this way she would never tell him.

She scoffed. "That's so recycled. If you really want to impress me come up with something more creative."

Joey clutched his heart and fell dramatically to the floor again. "She strikes me a second time! Keep this up and I'll need my own personal bodyguard."

"As if you could ever afford one," she countered with a smirk.

"Okay, you got me. Luckily I'm able to afford this," he said as he unzipped his book bag. He dug around for a second before pulling out a small box. He handed the box to her. "A-ha! A gift for my special girl."

She took the box, a smile on her face. "You spoil me."

"You deserve it."

"What is it this time? More chocolate? Jewelry?"

"Open it and find out. I'm not a snitch."

She chuckled and complied with his demand, unwrapping the box so she could know what lurked behind the brightly colored paper.

"Your wrapping skills suck," she commented once the pesky paper was off. She ignored his poked out tongue and turned her eyes to the box in her hand. Her eyes widened. In her hands were a pair of black headphones.

Joey stood up, slinging his back pack over his shoulder. "I remember you saying how your brothers took your pair without permission and broke it. So, knowing how loud they can be, I decided to get you a new pair."

She hugged him. "You're the best. Thank you."

He put a hand on top of her head. "Keep saying stuff like that and you'll make my ego grow big."

She moved away from him, smirking. "It's already big. Like your hair."

"Hey! I like this hairstyle."

She chuckled and side stepped around him. "I'll see you in class. I'm going to go find Kori."

"To tell her how amazingly awesome and wonderful I am?" he asked, turning around to look at her go.

"You wish. She lent me her notebook and I have to give it back."

Joey blew her a kiss. "See you later then, babe."

Raven walked away from him then, a pleasent smile on her face. She couldn't wait to use her new headphones, and this time she would be sure to put them in a better hiding spot.

Rounding the corner she noticed Vic and Kori; both of them looking serious. Kori looked away and covered her face with her hands, and Vic put his hands on her shoulder, turning her to face him but blocking the red head from Raven's view. Curious and worried as to why the two were upset, Raven proceeded forward.

"Kori, I know this sounds insane, but it's the truth," Vic insisted. "Terra has a twin and Gar's determined to find her by any means necessary. The reason why he wants to borrow the money from you is because we've known each other forever and he knows you'll be more understanding. Your parents are loaded. Can't you just please help him?"

"Vic. Kori," Raven snapped and the two turned in shock to face her. "Did I just hear what I think I did?"

Vic looked away and rubbed the back of his neck. This wasn't good. He shouldn't have been so careless and taken Kori to a more private area. Gar wasn't going to be happy about this.

Raven's eyes narrowed. "Someone answer me. Now."

She prayed she had heard wrong. Prayed that there really was no twin of Terra's that Gar was searching for. They had had enough of the Markov clan when it was just Terra. That backstabbing traitor had left a permanent dent in Gar's life and was haunting him from beyond the grave. They couldn't afford to have her twin in their lives to make another travesty. What if she was just as bad as her sister? They couldn't afford that. Terra and Kitten's plan had nearly destroyed them last school year. They didn't need any more problems after that fiasco. It was their senior year, they had to enjoy it. To have Terra's twin be apart of their lives would just complicate things, Raven was sure of that.

Raven turned her eyes to Vic, who flinched. "Is it true?"

Vic looked away and rubbed the back of his neck. "Well..."

Raven turned away from him, storming down the hall and ignoring Vic's call to wait. That was all the response she needed to know it was true. Terra had a twin and Gar was searching from her. He was even going so low as to ask for money. Raven looked infuriated. She felt the way, too. Gar's plan was a terrible and irresponsible one.

"That idiot," she grumbled, spotting him by his locker. He looked excited and content. She was going to pop that bubble she decided as she stormed up to him. "Garfield Logan!"

Gar turned his head at the sound of the voice and was surprised to see Raven approaching. "Hey, Raven. What's-"

She shoved him against the locker with both of her hands, and once his shock of the action passed he glared at her. "What's your problem?"

"My problem is that you're a retard! How dare you take it upon yourself to seach for a girl you don't even know that's related to her."

Gar narrowed his eyes and looked to the side. "Vic, he mumbled. He was going to hear it later. He was only supposed to tell Kori. How could he tell Raven?

"Did you even consider how the rest of us would feel? Or how it would affect the rest of us?" Raven snapped, capturing his attention once more and he turned to look at her.

"It has nothing to do with you guys," Gar tried to reason, hoping to avoid an argument. "It's my decision and-"

"It's a stupid one," Raven cut in, crossing her arms. "Did you even think of the possibility that this girl you're looking for might be insane like her sister was?"

"Terra wasn't insane," Gar whispered irritably, loud enough so only Raven would hear.

"Of course she was insane! Or did you forget everything she put us through?"

"She was confused and desperate. It wasn't her fault. Kitten-"

"You can blame it on Kitten all you want, but Terra's actions were her own."

Gar sighed, turning away from her and throwing up his hands. "God, Raven. I can't even talk to you! You're not even trying to listen or trying to consider how I feel. This isn't about you and everyone else. It's not about what Kitten and Terra did to us either. It's about what I want. And I want to find her, whoever she is."

"Well then that just makes you selfish," Raven proclaimed, turning her face away so she could mutter to herself. "This is exactly why I'm dating Joey and not you."

Gar looked back at her with wide eyes, stunned. Although she had kept her voice low he still heard every word she said. "You're dating Joey? As in boyfriend and girlfriend type dating?"

Raven's own eyes widened when she looked at him. She hadn't meant for him to hear that. Let alone say it. She had just gotten so angry; she couldn't help it. For a second or two she thought about denying it, but then she considered Joey and his feelings. He was her boyfriend; not Gar. She was supposed to care about Joey's feelings. Besides, it was obvious to her that Gar hadn't taken any consideration of others when it came to Terra's twin.

Feeling a bit bitter, she replied to him. "Yes. Joey and I are officially together."

"... And I'm the selfish one," he said, looking distraught. "You know... You can be such a bitch sometimes! I hate it! You say that Terra was evil, but why don't you take a look in the mirror. You're the one who is evil!" He yelled, letting his feelings take over. "I feel sorry for Joey. You're probably going to screw him over the same way you did me."

"That's a lot of talk from someone who's just as bad. You can't let go of Terra, and this girl you're looking for is just some replacement. You're the one who's terrible."

They glared at each other then, their eyes locked, before the bell rang and they were forced to go their separate ways.

By lunch time word had spread that Joey and Raven were going out. By lunch time their friends were also aware of Gar's plan to find Terra's twin. So much for keeping things a secret.

Everyone was also aware of Gar and Raven's argument this morning, so by the time lunch came around they were surprised to see that both were present at their usual table. As the others took their seats they could only think of one word to describe the tension: awkward.

"Isn't Toni the lucky one," Jenn whispered to Wally; referring to how Toni was having lunch with Isaiah and away from the current drama. Jenn envied her right about now.

Raven poked at the mixed fruit in her bowl with her fork, glaring at Gar who looked away.

Kori smiled timidly, hoping to extinguish the fire. "I saw the funniest thing on TV yesterday. There was this um... hmm...," Kori pursed her lips, noticing that no one was paying attention.

"You don't have to try so hard, Kori," said Raven. "It's not your responsibility to make everyone else happy over something Gar did."

Gar looked up from his tofu sandwich. "Something I did?"

Raven looked indifferent. "You heard me."

"What about what you did? How long did you wait before you went out on a date with Joey after going out on a date with me. Are you trying to be a slut."

"Hey, watch it buddy," Joey snapped, glaring at Gar. "You can't talk to my girlfriend like that. Apologize to her."

"Hell no."

"Do it before I kick your ass!"

Vic slammed his fist down on the table, startling Joey who looked at him a bit nervously. "You're not going to kick his ass. If you try best believe we're going to have problems blondie."

"Vic, enough," intervened Alain. "You can't get mad at Joey for wanting to defend his girfriend. Besides, Gar's letting his jealousy talk for him."

"I'm not jealous!"

"Yes you are," Alain sighed. "None of this would have even happened if you had confided in us that you liked Raven in the first place."

"Yeah," said Roy in agreement. "Joey would have backed off because of the bro code."

Alain raised his finger to point out that isn't what he meant, but Karen cut him off before he could try.

"You make it sound as if by doing that Gar would have put a down payment on Raven," Karen stated, sounding disturbed as she crossed her arms angrily. How dare they make her friend sound like a piece of property Joey stole from Gar.

"Hey, you may not like it, but that's how the bro code works," began Roy. "Everyone knew how Dick felt about Kori, even though he never technically admitted it, which is why I never asked out Kori. She belonged to him."

Kori clenched her hand around her can of ginger ale, smashing it in her grip. She glared at Roy. "I do not belong to anyone!"

Kori threw the crumbled can at Roy, hitting him, and stood up. She stormed away from the table, her hands clenched as she muttered curse words to herself.

Feeling that someone should go after her and wanting to escape the negative atmosphere of the table, Vic stood up and followed Kori. "Lil' lady, wait up!"

"Great," Jenn said sarcastically, turning her eyes to Roy. "Now look what you did. Way to act like an asshole, Roy."

"Hey, he was just being honest," Wally said, coming to Roy's defense. "So you agree with him?"

"Of course I do! I mean, it's pretty obvious Kori's love is all for Dick and only him."

Jenn narrowed her eyes. "Is that what you think of us? That I belong to you?"

"Well... yeah. You are my girlfriend."

"Which at this point, I question why," Jenn yelled, pouring her drink on top of Wally's head before standing up. "Have fun jerking off you fucking prick!"

"Aw, wait! Jenn! Baby! I didn't mean it like that!" Wally shouted, chasing after her. Before he left he turned around to point at the table. "This is all your fault!"

With that being said, Wally was gone.

"Uh... who was he pointing at?" Roy asked.

"Obviously you," Karen snapped, standing up. "And you know what, I'm going to tell Jade on you."

Karen walked away with her cell phone in hand; but Roy remained seated, trying to look cool. "She bluffing..."

A moment of silence passed as Roy considered his words.

He abruptly stood up and ran after Karen. "Holy shit she's not bluffing! Karen, don't do it! I'm sorry! I didn't mean it!"

Gar looked at Roy run after Karen, then turned back to look at who remained at the table. Alain, Joey, and Raven. At the moment, it was a tough crowd. Wordlessly, Gar packed up his lunch and left the table, no one bothering to stop him.

With a majority of their friends gone, Joey felt the need for an ice breaker. He put his arms around Raven and Alain's shoulders. "Anyone up for a round of Uno?"

Raven smacked a hang against her forehead. "... Sure. Why the hell not."

Since it appeared he wasn't going to be getting any loan from his friends anytime soon (Kori needed to clear a large sum of cash with her parents before using, and he never got to ask Roy or Toni), Gar took it upon himself to start the search. He decided to make fliers with Terra's picture on it, that way he could pass them out and paste them to poles and doors. He realized it was a longshot since he didn't know if this twin was even in Jump City or if she even looked like Terra (for all he knew the girl could have gone through a phase and shaved her head), but it was better than sitting around and doing nothing.

Gar went to Staples to make his copies and waited patiently as the machine did the work for him. He didn't have much on him, so he decided to only make fifty copies. He would have to come back later and make some more. With his copies in his back pack Gar left the store and almost immediately ran into Toni who was about to go in.

She blinked in suprise. "Gar? Hey."

"Hey, Toni," he greeted, moving to the side so as to not block the doorway. "What are doing here?"

"I came to get some pens. Isaiah keeps borrowing mines and losing them, so now I'm down to like two."

"Bummer...," he looked down, unsure of what to say. He hadn't really spoke to Toni much of lately. "I um... will see you at school I guess."

He turned to leave, but she grabbed his arm. He turned to look at her, surprised by her action.

"If you have a minute," she began. "Could we talk?"

He couldn't deny her request; after all he was in no rush to get home, so he said sure. They went across the street to a deli, and Toni treated him to some soda and a bag of chips. With a black plastic bag in hand they sat down on a bench that was outside.

"Thanks for the snacks."

"No problem," Toni said as she opened her diet soda. "So... is it true that Terra has a missing twin and that you want to find her?"

Gar wasn't surprised by her question. "Wow, you really do move fast."

She blushed and stuck her nose up. "Well excuse me for liking to get straight to the point."

Gar laughed. "Well I never said there's something wrong with that."

She smiled and looked at him. "So is it really true then?"

"As true as my green hair," he replied, reaching into his book bag and pulling out a flier so he could show it to her. "I'm serious about finding her... Guess that makes me weird."

"Nah, it doesn't. You're looking to find a connection. There's nothing wrong with that."

"Raven seems to think so."

"Raven's just... protective of you. We all are after what happened last time."

"She wasn't acting so very protective when she hooked up with Joey."

Toni couldn't help it; she giggled. "Guess that confirms it."

He blinked at her, confused. "Confirms what?"

"Karen told me there was this huge blow-out at lunch today because you were all jealous that Raven picked Joey over you."

"I didn't start the argument! Raven's the one who made some nasty side comment."

"Yeah, but you didn't have to fall for that," she took a sip of her soda before continuing. "Anyways, we've gotten way off track. What I really wanted to talk to you about was apologizing. I think you should. To Raven, that is."

"What? Why should I be the one to apologize? She's the one who threw everything out of pro...," he paused a moment as he struggled with the word, then shook his head. "She's the one who made everything whacky!"

"So? That doesn't mean you shouldn't act like the bigger man."

"Why should I?" Gar inquired stubbornly, crossing his arms. "She hurt me."

Toni sighed. "Yeah... but it could have been worse."

"How?"

"Oh,

"She could have cheated on you, then got with the guy that she cheated on you with, ruining the bliss of an engagement."

Gar looked at her silently, his arms falling to his sides.

"... What I did to Alain was horrible. I cheated on him with Isaiah, and then I got together with Isaiah. I did all of this even though we were engaged. I broke his heart," she explained shamefully, her hair falling in her eyes as she bowed her head. "... I did all of these terrible things to him but he still forgave me." She lifted her head to look at him. "Even though he was hurt he still cared enough to think of my happiness. He was graceful and kind and didn't make everyone pick sides. You should be the same way. If not Raven, at least for everyone else."

Gar looked away, contemplating her words.

Raven sat in her bed, her cell phone pressed against her ear as she spoke with Jade.

"I think you should cut Gar some slack."

Raven frowned. "Why?" she asked as she sat up. "Look, I may seem bitchy, but I'm doing this for his own good. Someone needs to be tough on him. If he meets that girl I guarantee she'll sink her claws into him and break his heart."

"But it's his choice. You need to let him do what he wants. If something bad does happen, then just be a good friend afterwards and support him best you can."

Raven pursed her lips. She had to admit, Jade made a valid point. Perhaps she was being to over protective.

"I think you should apologize to him and clear the air."

Raven sighed. "Maybe... But I still think-"

There was a knock and she heard Jacob's voice behind her locked doors. "Oh, Raaaven! There's someone here to see you. And it's a boooy!"

"I have to go, Jade. I'll call you back later."

The two girls quickly said there goodbyes and Raven put her phone on her nightstand. Eagerly, she raced to the door, expecting to see a curly topped blonde. When she opened it she was surprised to see Jacob, Jesse, Josh, and Jared clinging to Gar.

"Look, Raven," said Jared smiling as he hugged Gar's leg. "Gar came back."

Her eyes widened. "Gar... what are you doing here?"

"I came to see you. But right now I'm a little tied up," he replied and looked down at the kids who were hugging his arms and legs.

"Gar, we've missed you," confessed Josh as he hugged Gar's other leg.

"Yeah. Jack and James are no fun and never want to hang out with us," whined Jesse. "And we don't like that Joey guy. Can you play video games with us? Please?"

Gar's eyes sparkled at the mention of video games, but he shook his head to rid himself of the temptation. "I'm sorry guys, but I really have to talk with Raven. Maybe next time."

"Aw!"

"Lame!"

"Dude you suck."

The four boys scampered off, moping. With them out of the way Raven allowed Gar entry into her room and shut the door behind him.

"So what is it you want to talk about?"

"I uh," Gar cleared his throat awkwardly, and taking a top from Toni decided to just spit it out. "I came to apologize."

Raven's eyes widened again. "That's strange."

He looked at her curiously. "Huh?"

"You came to apologize, and I was actually just thinking about how I should apologize to you."

"You apologize to me? But why? You didn't do anything wrong. I'm the one who ruined our date and called you names. Then I just went ahead and made this big decision all by myself..."

"Yeah, but I'm the one who's been taking out my anger on you. It was unfair of me."

Gar laughed, causing Raven to lift a brow.

"What's so funny?"

"This," he answered, gestering to the both of them. "We sound like a bad TV show explaining ourselves." He smiled. "Why don't we both just say sorry and shake hands."

"That sounds like a good idea," Raven said as she stood in front of him and extended a hand. "I'm sorry."

He took her hand and gave it a shake. "I'm sorry, too."

They released their hands, and then abruptly Raven threw her arms around Gar and pulled him into a hug. It was a brief hug, but it still meant the world to him. It made him feel as if things were truly back to normal.

Pulling away, Raven moved so she could go sit on her bed. "I still think your plan to find this girl is a bad one."

"What? But I thought-"

Raven raised her hand to silence him. "Relax. I may think it's a bad idea, but since I'm your friend I'll support you."

Gar smiled. "Really?"

She nodded.

"Sweet! Hey, does that mean you want to check out these fliers I made?"

Before Raven could answer he pulled one out of his book bag and handed it to her.

Raven examined it briefly before putting it on her nightstand. She thought the fliers were a dumb idea, but she kept that thought to herself. "Is this even legal?"

"Of course it's legal. She's a missing person."

"To you maybe, but technically she could be at home watching television with her family right now."

"So you're saying I should put these up in supermarkets?"

Raven smacked her forehead just as James opened the door to her bedroom, still dressed in his school uniform.

"Hey! I heard a certain green haired midget was back," James held out his fist so he could pound Gar's. "You know for the right price I can help you with whatever homework you have, Gar."

"James, stop whoring your academic smarts to people," Raven scolded. "And get out of my room. Gar and I are discussing something really important."

"Fine, fine," James said as he turned away. "Maybe I can trick the twins into-" He paused, his eyes glued to Raven's nightstand. "Hey, how do you guys know Atlee?"

"Atlee?" Gar repeated. He saw James pick up the flier he made off of Raven's nightstand. "Oh, you mean Terra."

James looked at him. "Who's Terra?"

"The girl in the photo," Raven answered, getting up so she could point at Terra's picture.

James shook his head, looking at them strangely. "No, that's Atlee. She's a senior at my school."

SPECIAL THANKS TO Star of Airdrie, chipmunkswillrule, Irey West-Wayne, wolfprincess16, longliveteentitans, Agent of the Divine One, New york Mike, clarkLover1, Goldenheart11, cookiesruletheworld, BerryDrops,Pineapple girl 1997, Daniella TT, Promises Long Forgotten, AND Magic Kiwi FOR THE WONDERFUL REVIEWS AND FOR THE CONGRATULATIONS! I APPRECIATE ALL OF THE SUPPORT! I HOPE EVERYONE WAS ABLE TO ENJOY THIS CHAPTER!

IN CASE ANYONE IS CURIOUS THIS CHAPTER IS NAMED AFTER Burning Down the House, A SONG FROM Talking Heads.

OKAY, SO THIS DOESN'T AFFECT THE STORY IN ANY WAY AND THERE'S NO PRIZE, BUT I WOULD STILL LOVE TO HEAR EVERYONE'S THOUGHTS ABOUT WHAT KIND OF BOARDING SCHOOL DICK'S STUCK IN. JUST FOR FUN LET'S SEE HOW MANY CRAZY IDEAS WE CAN COME UP WITH.

ON A MORE IMPORTANT NOTE, I HAVE ORIENTATION TOMORROW. I'M SO NERVOUS! WISH ME LUCK!

NEXT CHAPTER: GAR APPROACHES TERRA'S SISTER AND A MYSTERIOUS STRANGER LURKS OUTSIDE OF KORI'S HOME...

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