14. Have You Ever

"Have you finally found the one you've given your heart to? Only to find that one won't give their heart to you? Have you ever closed your eyes and dreamed that they were there? And all you can do is wait for the day when they will care." –Brandy

Disclaimer: This song is perfect for how Raven feels, but I don't it, her, or any of the others.

"Yeah," Raven mumbled, still in shock with a fast beating heart, "I guess red really is my color."

Speedy stepped into the crowd, closing the door behind him. "You look absolutely stunning." The others were just standing there, eyes big and lips parted. They were probably all thinking the same things. How did he clean up so fast? He actually remembered? How's Raven going to react when she snaps out of her state of shock?

"Thanks," she replied and relaxed her shoulders. She really did look amazing in the scarlet, off the shoulder, sparkling, body hugging mermaid dress. Around the knee area, it branched off into just the right amount of tulle and left a small train in the back.

Speedy stepped closer to the bug-eyed girl and handed her the red-tipped rose. She gripped it close to her chest as he slid the corsage elegantly onto her other wrist. The room was so tense and quiet, neither of them wanted to make a peep. She couldn't even bear to look up into his face.

Suddenly, Arella broke the awkward silence and squealed, "Okay. Now I have to get pictures of you two together. Come stand in the light!" She motioned for them to follow and snapped up at least fifty more pictures.

"You guys ready?" KF asked moments after the last flash of the camera. Everyone nodded and started towards the door.

Once outside, Speedy turned to Raven and scratched his right ear as he stated, "I don't have a limo for you like the others, but I do have a working car with a full tank of gas."

Raven gave him a tiny leer, "As long as you don't kill me or anyone else, it's fine."

"Nonsense," Wally butted in while putting a hand on each of their shoulders, "our limo's big enough for the four of us. It can be like a double date!"

Speedy shook his head, "No, I'm tired of you helping me out, Wally. I don't need your pity or your money."

His two friends looked at him worriedly. Then, Wally assured him, "You know I'm not going to let my best friend drive to prom when there's enough space in my overpriced Hummer limo. I'm not doing it, because I feel sorry for you, but because I want to."

"Fine," Speedy sighed, defeated. He grabbed his date's hand and led her to the long, white vehicle. He held the door open for her after KF and Jinx, but when he lifted her hand to help her step into the ride, she wouldn't budge. "What is it, Gem?"

Raven snatched her hand away and folded her arms as a grimace graced her face. "Why did you blow up on us like that the other day?" He stared at her speechless. "Why did you disappear for a whole day and a half and leave me wondering?"

Speedy told the two inside to hold on as he shut the white door. "Raven, I—"

"I was dreading spending this night alone, and I had no idea what to think about us," she spit out fiercely.

"Us?" he immediately repeated. "So, there is an us?"

Now, she was speechless. "You know what I mean, Roy."

He swallowed spit and said, "No, actually I don't." He eyed her and saw her staring off to the side with her teeth piercing her bottom lip. "Raven, do you know what that rose symbolizes?"

She shook her head no. "No, a flower is just a plant to me."

"Maybe you'll figure it out by the end of the night," he murmured as he took a step closer to her. "And by the end of the night, I hope you understand how truly sorry I am for putting you through all of this. I begged you to help me, but then I denied your help. You risked your life for me. I probably should be dead right now, but instead I'm here sharing this incredible moment with you."

Raven appreciated his apology, but she didn't know if she could accept it just yet. "Promise me you won't even so much as drink tonight."

Speedy chuckled at her unintentional worry, "I promise, Gem. And I promise to make sure you have the best night of your life."

Raven smirked as she took it upon herself to open the limo door, "Doubt it, but I guess it's worth a shot."

"Wow, it looks amazing in here," Terra said as they strolled into the building. The theme was some sort of enchanted forest, and it was lined with unusually shaped trees and dim lights. It mimicked a magical, starry night.

"It really does," Jinx squeezed Wally's hand eagerly and ran to the dance floor. "Come on let's dance!"

Terra and BB immediately followed suit. "I've been waiting to show off my new moves all night!" Beast Boy shouted over the loud, fast-paced, pop song.

Speedy scratched his hair uneasily and glanced at his unamused date. "I'm guessing you don't want to join."

Raven glared at him and said, "Obviously not. I can enjoy the scene from here." She folded her arms and started tapping her foot impatiently.

Speedy gulped. How was he supposed to entertain her all night? "How about some punch?"

Raven looked at how red he was and realized how nervous she was making him, so she tried to crack a smile, "Yeah…that would be nice."

Meanwhile, as Speedy started towards the punch bowl, Robin and Starfire were arriving fashionably late. And fashionable they were. Everyone around stopped and gawked as Starfire made her way past them with her arm in Robin's. Her tanned skin was gleaming in a sparkling, emerald green, floor-length, sheath gown with a slit that stopped right above her knee. Her long, red hair was straight and slicked so that all of the strands were flowing gracefully down her back, and her make up accentuated the sparkle in her eyes perfectly.

Robin matched her sharpness in a nicely-tailored, white blazer with black lapels similar to Speedy's, a crisp, black, button up adorned with a vivid green bowtie, and creased, slim, black slacks. His hair was slicked down with his favorite gel as opposed to his normal spiky look, and he reeked of his signature cologne.

As they strolled in, Robin noticed a violet-haired figure facing the dancefloor with her arms crossed.

'Is that Raven…,' he thought. 'No, Raven would never wear such a form fitting dress, especially a cherry red one.' Yet, he knew it had to be her. No one else had her hair color or exotic skin tone.

As he drifted out of his thoughts, he realized that he was unconsciously walking over to the figure while his date was taking in all the admiration she was receiving.

"Raven," he called lowly when he reached her.

To his slight surprise, he was met with his best friend's face. "Oh, hey, Robin," she said in her usual monotone. "Nice suit."

But the dark-haired boy was speechless. He ran a hand over his slicked down locks and started, "Raven, you look…" he raked his brain for the most accurate word, "breathtaking."

All of a sudden, a firm hand was on his shoulder. "What's up, Grayson? I see you discovered how beautiful my date looks tonight." Speedy stood next to Raven and wrapped his arm around her waist, much to her dislike.

Suddenly, Robin involuntarily yet strongly felt the need to compete with the debonair couple standing in front of him. "Not as beautiful as my date," he alleged assertively. Then, he almost instantly realized what he'd just said when both of their faces were swiftly covered in disgust.

Raven's skin flushed red as she pulled herself from Speedy and stormed away. "Raven, wait," her date called after her, but she disappeared in a flash. He swallowed a ball of anger and turned to the embarrassed, shamefaced boy, "That was just low, Robin. You really are blind, huh?"

Robin grabbed Speedy's forearm as he started to walk away, "That came out really wrong. I didn't mean it like that at all. I swear!" Speedy wasn't buying his pleas. "I…I'm just…just—"

"Just what, Grayson?" The redhead asked impatiently. He had to find Raven before she ruined her eyes with tears.

Robin let go of the taller boy's arm and admitted to himself, 'Just…jealous.' Then, he looked to the ground and said aloud, "Really competitive."

Speedy shook his head in disbelief and stomped away. He searched all over the room for his date, but she was nowhere to be found. According to the girls waltzing in and out of the bathroom, she wasn't in there either. Then, he slapped himself on the forehead. The answer was right in his face.

To go alone with the theme, the prom committee had constructed a mystical forest in the courtyard behind the building. Where else would Raven be? He rushed outside like he was running on the track and took in the exquisiteness of the makeshift wonderland. It was the perfect setting for a magical, romantic night. There weren't too many couples outside yet since most of them were inside tearing up the dance floor. Suddenly, he saw something violet that almost blended in with the mystical atmosphere of the night. As he moved closer to it, he saw the sparkly red and knew exactly what it was.

"I'm really sorry, Raven," he murmured as he sat next to her under the one, authentic, willow tree. She looked up at him with watery eyes and folded her arms on top of her knees. "He's a fool."

"I've tried so hard and for so long to get him to see me the way I see him," she mumbled, exhausted. "But for what?" And with that she buried her face into her arms.

Speedy sighed and let his noggin fall back onto the bark of the tree. He didn't know what could possibly make her feel better at this point, but he knew there was no way he was going to let Robin ruin her...their night. If he did, that would only make her go back into her shell even more.

"Raven—"

"I feel so dumb!" her head shot back up at the sound of his voice. "Of course, he doesn't love me. Why would he? I'm dull, creepy, and apparently ugly."

"He didn't say—"

"He implied it, Speedy," she deadpanned and looked the other way. "Why am I doing this to myself? Why am I bringing pain upon myself?"

Speedy put a hand on her shoulder and assured, "Raven, a lot of people do crazy things when they're in love. And a lot of people believe what they want to believe, but that's normal. That's called hope and positivity."

Raven stared at the redhead beside her. She didn't think he'd actually be able to comfort her, but just being in his presence was beginning to make her feel better. "I'm so sorry, Roy."

"For what?" he wondered out loud, honestly confused.

Raven shook her head and mumbled, "I haven't been the nicest to you. And I definitely haven't given you my all like you've done for me." Then, she swallowed her pride and choked out, "Robin's not the only blind one."

Speedy couldn't help but let a small smile grace his face. "It's okay, Gem. We're all blinded by love at some point."

"God," Raven growled at the sky and whispered, "Why do I still love him?" Speedy's heart tore apart from hearing her speak those words. He already knew how she felt, but just hearing her say it always did something to him.

Suddenly, a tear began slowly made its way out of her eye, but his finger stopped it before it rolled off her face. "He's not worth your tears, Raven," he said sternly.

She straightened up her face and exhaled, "Tell that to my eyes."

"Besides," he smirked and picked up her left hand, "you wouldn't want to mess up that pretty face."

Meanwhile, back on the inside, Terra, BB, Jinx, and Kid Flash had all made their way to a table with Cyborg and Bumblebee, who were all cuddled up.

Moments later, "Guys," Terra called as they were enjoying the food from the fancy caterers the prom committee hired, "I just had the best idea."

"Sounds like something BB would say right before something stupid comes out of his mouth," Cyborg stated before shoving a fork full of shrimp alfredo in his mouth.

Terra glared at him and started to speak, but before she could even make a sound, she was interrupted by her boyfriend, "I guess I'm rubbing off on you, Mama."

"What makes you think I'm going to say something stupid, Gar?" She squinted her eyes at him evilly, daring him to answer the question. He just chuckled nervously with a mouth full of food.

"What's your idea, Ter?" Jinx snickered at her new friend's annoyance. Wally was reclined back in his chair with a grin on his face and an arm around his companion.

A smile found its way back to Terra's lips as she remembered what she was thinking. "Who do you think everyone's going to vote for to be prom king and queen?"

Beast Boy swallowed a gulp of punch and said matter-of-factly, "Robin and Starfire. Duh, Terra."

Terra shoved his shoulder playfully. "That's my point, Smarty." She turned to the rest of her friends and said eagerly, "But let's not be typical."

"How?" Bumblebee chimed in.

"Let's vote for Raven and Speedy," Terra finished her enticing speech with a sly smirk on her face. Soon everyone had the same smirk on their faces.

"That's actually a fantastic idea, Terra," Bumblebee voiced. "But how do we get everyone else to vote for them?"

Terra's smirk became even more crooked, "Just leave that up to me and BB. Just make sure you don't tell Robin or Star."

Beast Boy rubbed his palms together deviously. "Dude, the looks on all of four of their faces are going to be priceless!"

"Hey, where are they anyway?" Cyborg looked around the table and wondered why they were missing. "I haven't seen either of them all night."

"I just saw Kori practically drag Robin onto the dancefloor," Terra replied.

Beast Boy shuddered and said, "She's probably crushing his bones right now as we speak. I swear that girl was an alien or something in another life."

Jinx rolled her eyes and droned, "Speedy and Raven are probably somewhere at each other's throats."

Wally winked at Jinx and offered up another option, "Or maybe Raven finally gave into him."

Little did the couple know, they were both right. But not in the ways they were thinking. After their little moment in the courtyard, Speedy had dragged Raven back to the limo and asked the chauffeur to drive them to whatever part of the city had the best view of the bay. Yet, when he stopped the car and told them they had arrived, they never made it out. He instead respectively rolled up the partition as the two slowly began touching lips.

Before Raven knew what was happening, she was straddling the stunned boy with a knee on each side of him and his chin cupped in her delicate hands. He bit her soft, bottom lip ever so gently and mixed his breath with hers. Raven couldn't believe she was allowing all of this to happen. Let alone egging it on. But she was. She pressed her lips harder against his, and she felt them began to part for her. Their tongues intertwined as he slipped his arms around her waist and pulled their chests closer together.

They don't know how long they were in that position, but after what seemed like forever, Speedy slowly began to lower her down onto the long seat of the limo. He hovered over her as they continued sucking faces.

Raven unconsciously wrapped her legs around him. Then, out of nowhere she realized what she was doing. "Stop!" she shouted lowly so the driver wouldn't hear. "Get off."

Speedy continued to hover over her as he tried to catch his breath. She tried to sit up and mistakenly bumped her head against his. He plopped onto the seat next to her. "What did I do this time?" he asked nervously. Everything was going just fine, but he was sure he'd somehow found a way to mess it up.

Raven wrapped her arms around herself and pulled up her falling dress. "Nothing. Let's just get some fresh air."

Speedy eyed her suspiciously, but replied, "Good idea." He got out and held the door open for her. Once again, she didn't take his hand as he tried to help her out the tall vehicle. He heaved a sigh and shut the door behind her.

Together, but silently they sauntered over to the edge of the rocks surrounding the bay and stared at the still, yet powerful body of water ahead of them. They stood there soaking in the quiet for minutes. Both were wondering what the other was thinking each second they stood in silence.

Finally, to his surprise, Raven broke the silence, "I'm not ready, Roy."

His heart skipped a beat, "Ready for what?"

Raven turned to face him and he followed in her footsteps. "For sex. I know you're used to girls who just give it up to you. But…I'm just not ready."

Speedy glanced at the water with an unreadable look on his face. "Raven—"

"I know I slept with Wally, but that was a big mistake," she continued. "I always wanted my first time to be with the right person. Someone I was in love with, and someone who loves me the same."

He looked at her face and noticed how the beams from the moon highlighted the spark she had in her doe-eyes from their moment in the limo; he couldn't help but stare. "Gem, I—"

"I understand if you don't feel the same about me anymore." She turned and faced the bay again, but never looked up from the ground. "I—"

"Raven," Speedy stopped her from rambling with the tug of her hand. "I will wait for you."

Raven's eyes lit up even more, but deep down she couldn't help but wonder if he really meant that. "Honestly?"

"Yes, Raven, I think I've had enough fun for the both of us." He smirked handsomely. "Of course I can wait for the girl I—"

Raven waited for him to finish his sentence, but instead he just blushed red. "The girl you what?"

He swallowed hard and scratched the back of his neck anxiously. "Remember when I asked did you know what the rose symbolized?"

Raven folded her arms and sneered. "How could I forget? It's been bothering me ever since."

Speedy chuckled at her dryness and turned towards the water himself. "Well…how do I say this? It means…well it symbolizes. You know what? Fuck it," he shouted with sudden confidence and abruptly grabbed her by the shoulders. "Raven, I'm falling in love with you."

Back at the formal dance, Terra and Beast Boy had tried to convince as many people as possible to vote for Raven and Speedy without Robin or Starfire overhearing in under thirty minutes. Now, the votes were all tallied in and were getting ready to be announced. The group finally met up with Robin and Starfire as the students began to crowd around the stage.

"Hey, where are the other two lovebirds?" Kid Flash asked. They really had disappeared into the night, and he was beginning to think they weren't even there anymore. And Robin suddenly seemed sick at the mention of the two.

"Yeah, that's a good question," Bumblebee added as the announcer began to speak.

"How's it going everyone?" Kole and Herald, the committee chair and vice chair, greeted everyone from the stage. "It's time for the moment you've all been waiting for: the results for prom king and queen!"

Everyone cheered and waited for them to carry on. "Fingers crossed," Terra whispered to Bumblebee.

"First, let's start off with the prince and princess." Herald looked down at the card in his hand and announced, "For prom prince, the winner is…Roy Harper!" Terra and the others gasped. Their plan was officially ruined.

"And for prom princess," Kole started, "Kori Anders!"

"Congratulations, Star!" Everyone applauded as she eagerly ran on stage. She was excited to win anything. So, not being queen didn't bother her at all. She eeped with joy as they placed her tiara on her head and adorned her with a purple sash.

"While we wait on Roy to show up, let's crown our king and queen," Herald continued.

Then, Beast Boy came to a realization. "Wait, if Roy is prom prince then who's—"

"Uh-oh," Terra prevented him from finishing.

"And your 2016 prom king is…," Kole stopped for a dramatic pause, "Richard Grayson!" The crowd roared with cheers and applauses. Robin stood still in place, oblivious to the fact that he'd just won. He was too busy worrying about how he hurt Raven to worry about anything else. And, now, even though he wasn't there to claim his crown, Speedy technically had won his other girl, too. Robin was beyond stressed.

"Rob, man, what you waiting on?" Cyborg hit him on the back. "Go get your royal scepter!"

Robin tuned out all the noise surrounding him as he climbed the stairs of the stage. He stared blankly into the crown as they gave him his royal wand and placed a large, red and gold crown on top of his hair.

"And for your 2016 royal queen," Herald started. "Raven Roth!"

Hearing her name knocked Robin back into reality. He was sure she wasn't going to come up and accept her crown, but the thought of facing her especially in front of everyone made him really fearful. He looked down at his friends' sympathetic smiles. None of them knew it was his fault the other two had vanished. And if they knew what he'd said, none of them would probably be smiling right now.

"Since the other two aren't here for whatever reason and you guys are dates anyway, how about you do the royal dance?" Kole spoke into the mic. Kori happily agreed and pulled Robin to the now open space in the middle of the dancefloor.

Terra couldn't help but feel annoyed. She loved Starfire and Robin just as much as her other friends, but she was just hoping the night wouldn't end so cliché. And somehow, even though Starfire wasn't queen, she still got to enjoy the royal dance with Robin. It was so typical.

On the other hand, Starfire was filled with exhilaration until she began to notice Robin didn't match her excitement. She put two and two together and whispered almost inaudibly to the boy in front of her, "Friend Robin?"

"Yes, Star?" He looked into her clear, innocent, green eyes and couldn't help but feel bad. She'd been so happy all night, and ever since his incident with Raven, he'd been the total opposite.

"Would you rather be sharing this dance with Friend Raven?" she cooed, nerves taking over her.

Robin exhaled and looked to the ground, but never lost his pace in the dance. "No, of course not, Kori." She smiled, relieved, and he returned the favor even though inside his mind he couldn't hear anything, but, 'Maybe I would.'

A/N: Well that was over the top as usual and extremely long. Hopefully it wasn't too bad though. And since it's pretty much the end of the semester, I should be uploading soon.Thanks for reading :)