"No moving, babe."

"Can I at least have an approximation as to when you'll be waking from your slumber and relenting your suffocating grip on my neck?"

"Ten minutes."

"That's what you said five minutes ago."

"You like cuddles, right?"

A slight pause. "I suppose."

"You always make those adorable grunts when you're shuffling around, so you must."

"Five minutes. That's it."

"Seven?"

"Five."

"Six. Six more minutes of cuddles, then you'll get me food."

"You're the worst."

"Oh, poor Rae-Rae. He has to sit here and get kissed and snuggled on, and listen to how amazing he is, and how sexy he is, and how special he makes me feel, and how much I love him so hugy-bugy much, and how I wanna squeeze him all freakin' day-"

His cheeks were practically on fire. "I'll do it. Only because it's your birthday, as if I don't spoil you enough every other day of the Gregorian calendar."

"But I'm so lovable you know I'm worth it." She nuzzled her head into his shoulder to emphasize the point. There was no denying Beast Girl was right, though. "So five more minutes of cuddles, then you'll get me pancakes, then we'll take a shower."

"I suppose I'll have to venture all the way to the other side of the city to get those pancakes you're obsessed with from Winkie's Dinery…"

"And don't forget the hash browns, Jeeves."

"...and we always shower together."

"Well, yeah, but naked, wet, glistening, perfect Raven is something I can't go a day without."

Raven was clearly trying to dodge her scrutiny. "Awww, who knew a little compliment could fluster you so easily?" She knew Raven especially loved a bit of praise, and he gave it in equal measure. Before he could be pinned yet again, he levitated off the floor.

"I'm off to get your food."

"Oh! And we should totally go to the beach today. I would love to see you in swim trunks, and I know you wanna see what I look like in a bikini-"

Raven phased through the floor without even bothering to change clothes.

"This is the life, ain't it, Rae?" Having concluded the rest of their rituals, the two had located a portion of the coastline unoccupied by any other life form. She wrapped her arms around Raven's neck, partially submerged her bare feet in the sand, and let the sound of his heartbeat coupled with the soothing rhythm of the ocean transport her to a sublime state.

"I suppose I can scrape together some incidental enjoyment out of your present."

"Your grumpy, snarky facade is my present."

For several minutes, the two remained there in complete silence, the sea stretching out far past their field of vision, the movement of the ocean slowly lulling both to sleep. She was almost certain she was going to-

"Beast Girl?"

Letting out a mild yawn, she leaned up slightly to face him. "What's up, darlin'?"

There was that look on his face. She looked at Raven's face a lot, he had an exceptionally nice face, and had become well acquainted with its subtle adjustments and contours. He clearly wanted to ask her something.

"Do you think...I'm, uh...well…" He bit his the lower left portion of his lip. "Do you think I'm too feminine for you?"

She reflexively squinted. Raven, with his Greek demigod body, rock-solid emotional stability, and insatiable desire to protect his comrades, was still very, very insecure about pretty much everything about himself. It was true that since the commencement of their relationship he had been more open and jovial, (not that she assumed there was a correlation between their relationship and his metamorphosis) but a large portion of Raven's entire life had been defined by a deeply ingrained sense of self-loathing. She shuffled up and cupped his cheek.

"Baby...I'm not sure I really understand. What made you think that?"

Raven seemed liked he was ready to talk, but would certainly look miserable doing so. "It's just, you know, I can't shoot fire out of my eyes, I'm not a billionaire, my superhero persona is constructed around my emotions-"

As was so often the case, Beast Girl swiftly pursed her lips and ceased Raven's from moving by crashing against his perfect mouth. His eyes fluttered to a close and the tension in his body practically melted. She wondered if maybe he was going to partially sink into the sand.

"Sandwich rolls, not gender roles, Raven," She gripped his perfect cheeks to maintain his stunned expression. "And even if you were too feminine," She emphasized the words with air quotes. "I'd still think you're perfect. You look a marble statue, you have the most ridiculous willpower, and you make me feel so safe and protected...and loved."

Now he was making a pathetic attempt to hide a smile. "Look at that little grin!" She sing songed. "And I know I can tell you how amazing you are until I run out of words," She did her best to do what she assumed was a 'sultry' voice. "But I think it's better if I show you through my actions." She intentionally bit her lip and raised her eyebrows.

The message clearly translated. "I suppose you're owed one last birthday present."

An instant later, she sprung forth, secured him to the ground by straddling his hips, and flashed her signature devilish grin. "Then how about I bury your face in my boobs to make you shut up?"

"It's a good thing I love you so much."