Author's note: Sorry for the sadness in the last chapter, CyBee fans. And anyone who was triggered by Aqualad's naughty behaviour. So here we come to Chapter 28; this will tie up some loose plot ends for you all and also progress the BBRae relationship. I'm nervous about this chapter's content (feedback appreciated), and I wanted to say PLEASE do not read if you are underage. There are adult themes in this, as mentioned several times. It is not a lemon to be clear, but the themes are there. You have been warned. Thank you to the kind and lovely reviewers, I'm so glad you're enjoying so far.
Disclaimer: I do not own Teen Titans or any other characters from the DC Universe.
Chapter Twenty-Eight – Bats and Monsters
Titans East left the next morning; saying their goodbyes and waving as they got into their ship and took to the sky. Cyborg looked melancholy, and Raven could feel the sadness pouring from his chest. She narrowed her eyes; this was definitely more significant than she was expecting, but she couldn't put her finger on why. As they headed back inside the Tower she grabbed Beast Boy by the arm and pulled him close.
"Please keep an eye on Cy," she muttered, so the others wouldn't hear. With his perceptive hearing he picked up every word. "Something's changed."
The shapeshifter nodded as they continued to walk back into the Tower. He looked at the metal man and could feel something in his gut telling him that Raven was right. Sighing at the poor timing of it all, he hopped after his friend. He caught up to him and slapped his hand on Cy's shoulder in a friendly manner.
"Yo, C-man," he said, jovially. His eyes were filled with concern as he lowered his voice. "You okay?"
"Yeah, I'm okay, B," replied Cyborg quietly, although he seemed far from it. His shoulders drooped. "I'm good."
"Want to go get some pizza and talk about it?" asked Garfield, kindly. His friend turned to meet his eyes and he smiled. "My treat?"
"Yeah, okay," smiled Cy, his face lighting up. "If we're allowed some time. Not sure what birdy boy has planned for us today."
"Leave it with me, dude," grinned the changeling, shifting to a cheetah and dashing off after their leader. Cyborg watched him leave, still smiling at his friend's efforts when Raven caught pace with him.
"Hello," she said, quietly. They met each other's eyes for a moment and an understanding passed between them. Cyborg smirked a little, a dry expression on his face.
"I know, I know," he conceded, causing the lilac haired woman to eye him quizzically. "Empath, right?"
Beneath her hood, Raven flushed a little. She hoped she wasn't invading his privacy in her concern. "Yes. I'm sorry. I don't know what happened but I'm sorry you're so sad."
"Don't be," smiled Cy, putting his arm around her shoulders and giving her a squeeze. "It's not your fault. Not yours or B's."
"Cy, about me and Gar," began the empath, feeling guilt seeping all over her. She was twisting her fingers beneath her cloak. "Nothing will be different around the Tower, I promise; we're not like Star and Robin."
"Stop," said Cy, standing still and causing Raven to follow suit. She turned to look at him, her lilac eyes meeting his human and cybernetic one. He had a serious expression on his face. "Look, I'm happy for you and BB. You know that, right?"
"Yes, but—"
"No buts, be quiet," stated the cybernetic man authoritatively, putting his hand up to hush the empath. She obliged and closed her mouth. He continued slowly. "You and B are family to me. Seein' the two of you grow together, learn to love each other, be together...well, it's right and I'm happy for y'all. What happened to me yesterday has nothing to do with that. I don't want you two to feel awkward because of me. I'd feel really bad if I thought that was what's happenin' here."
"Cy, it's not like that," responded the Azarathian, her hands escaping her cloak and pulling her hood down. "We're just really worried about you; we weren't sure how everyone would take it. But you most of all. We just wanted you to know that nothing is going to change."
"Everythin' has changed," laughed Cy, ruffling her hair as he always did. "But it's okay, Rave. Change is good sometimes. I want what's best for both of you. I know I give y'all a hard time and everythin', but it's all for show. Seein' you two together is right somehow. Listen, you need your time together. But our relationships won't change. I can promise you that."
"As long as you know," smiled Raven, nodding. "You're still my big brother. You're still Gar's best friend. Believe me, I definitely haven't replaced you on that score."
"Oh girl," laughed Cy, placing his hand on her shoulder. His voice filled with sarcasm. "You couldn't if you wanted to. You'd never survive all the video games and fast food."
Raven grimaced, but there was a genuine smile that followed. "Touché. Keep talking like that and you might put me off this whole idea all together."
Cyborg laughed, more genuinely than he had in a long time. He wrapped his arm back round her and steered her towards the Tower as they began walking again.
"Raven. Ain't nothin' I could say to change your mind. You're in love with him, I can tell."
"Is that so?" questioned Raven, glancing at him sidelong and pulling her hood back up for safety. But this time it felt okay. Cyborg smiled at her.
"It's so, little lady. But you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way."
Robin allowed the boys their outing, and by the time they returned Cyborg seemed back to his normal self again. They were all sitting together that evening having an unscheduled meeting that Robin had called. Their leader was nowhere to be seen, having buzzed them all to come to ops. Everyone sat there waiting, wondering what was going on.
"Star, what did Rob say this is all about?" asked Beast Boy, plonking himself down on the couch next to Raven. Starfire floated a few feet in the air, shaking her head solemnly.
"Sorry friend, he did not say," she conceded, her hands clasping behind her back. "Cyborg, are you perhaps aware of this meeting's reasoning?"
"Not a clue, girl," stated Cy, shrugging his shoulders and sitting down next to Beast Boy, slowly. "I'm as in the dark as the rest of you. Raven?"
"No idea," shrugged the empath, closing her book and placing it down on the side. "I would guess it's something to do with SSOSV or the mission?"
"Good guess," came a voice behind them that made everyone jump in unison. Garfield's ears twitched. Every single time. He smiled.
"Hey, Batman," he stated, even though they couldn't see where the voice had come from. Beast Boy knew it was him; the imperceptible sneaking, the faintest scent in the air that was indiscernible unless you were looking for it. From the shadows the Dark Knight emerged, a smirk on his face.
"Hello, Titans," he stated, coolly. His deep tones seemed to fill ops and echo around in a way that none other did. He walked slowly to the front of the room to join their congregation.
"What brings you to the Tower, Batman?" asked Cyborg, politely. All four sets of eyes were looking at him intently. Another voice came from behind them, this time accompanied by footsteps and a swoosh of a cape.
"I invited him," said Robin, firmly as he paced over to stand by Batman's side. "We have some things to discuss."
"We do?" questioned Starfire, her eyes full of confusion. "What things are these?"
"Leads, Kori," came the deep tones of Bruce Wayne. "I have some that you may be interested in, as young Raven surmised."
Raven met the man's masked eyes and could sense his approval. She nodded and lowered her hood slowly. "Leads for SSOSV."
"That's right," said Batman, pulling up a chair and sitting down opposite the team. "I had full details from your meeting the other day and from Raven's vision. It seems that the SSOSV is not as much of a mystery as we first thought."
"You know what it stands for," stated Cyborg, his eyes narrowing. "Don't you?"
"Yes, Victor. I do," smiled Bruce, his hand coming to rest by his chin just as Robin's did on a regular basis. There was no mistaking where the boy wonder had picked up that particular mannerism. "It stands for the Secret Society of Super Villains."
"Seriously?" questioned Beast Boy, incredulous. "I mean, pick a longer name why don't you."
Batman shook his head, ignoring the changeling's comment. His face was solemn and serious as always. "These guys are no joke, Garfield. They are mean, and they are powerful. They have an agenda, as Raven so eloquently put it, that involves taking over the world. This is bigger than Jump City, than Gotham City, than Steel City. This organisation spans wider than any of us can possibly comprehend right now."
"So those people in my vision," began Raven, her voice waving slightly. Her eyes were shining with concern. "They're members of this organisation?"
"We think so," nodded Robin, pulling out the familiar clicker and bringing up the screen. "There are a couple of them that we have been able to name from your clues and our recon missions."
"Recon missions?" stated Cyborg, confused. "What recon missions?"
"The ones that I've been doing for Robin and Batman," stated Beast Boy, causing the others to turn and look at him. He shrugged. "I guess it's no biggie for you guys to know now."
"No, it's okay Beast Boy," reassured Robin, smiling at the changeling. "He's been collecting data on one of these suspects for us for the past three months. We now think that we have pinned them down as being involved in this somehow."
He clicked his button and a picture came up onto the screen that was unfamiliar to some of the Titans.
"Who is this strange looking person?" asked Starfire, hesitantly. "She is not someone we have seen before."
"No, Star," agreed Robin, nodding. "She's not. This person's name is Cheetah."
"Cheetah?" questioned Raven, turning her head to one side. Her mind flashed the vision for a moment, making the face instantly recognisable. She realised her own riddle. "A cheater. That's right."
"Exactly," stated Batman, nodding at the Azarathian's sudden understanding. "Your riddle was simple to work out if you have the right key."
"What key specifically are you referring to?" asked Raven, her eyes narrowing with curiosity. Batman gave a strange smile.
"The key is information. Wonder Woman has crossed claws with this cat on more than one occasion. She's smart, she's fast and she has similar instincts to our Garfield here."
Batman paused to gesture to Beast Boy, who gave a goofy grin. Bruce nodded and then continued. "Which is what made him the perfect person to get recon on her. He could work out how she thought, how she moved, how she hunted. And his research has proven to be the biggest key of all. Robin?"
Robin nodded and clicked again, lots of small pictures appearing on the screen showing Cheetah in various places and poses. Batman gestured to them and continued his speech.
"Beast Boy's recon shows that Cheetah has recently been chemically enhanced, making her a lot more powerful than she has ever been before. It has given her extra skills including dominion over felines, and God alone knows what else."
"Super," responded Raven, sarcastically. She folded her arms across herself. "When did Wonder Woman last see her?"
"She has coveted Diana's lasso for many years now," explained the Dark Knight, his eyes turning towards Raven. "She attempted trickery to get it from her but was unsuccessful. Since then she had disappeared off the grid, but she was thereafter known to the JLA. Finding out she's joined the Secret Society was a surprise, although not a huge leap. If she was going to be chemically enhanced, then there is only one person likely to be involved. Another clue we managed to unpick."
Raven tilted her head and looked at the others. Cy and Star looked baffled, but Garfield looked entirely calm. He had been more involved that the empath had even realised.
"Tomorrow," began Bruce, slowly. "Raven, you said that one of the members was tomorrow. A genius."
Raven nodded. It wasn't a big leap to make. "So, this person is responsible for chemically enhancing Cheetah?"
"We can't say for sure, but they are definitely involved with her in some way. Look at this picture Beast Boy took a couple of weeks ago."
One of the snapshots enlarged on the screen at one press of Robin's clicker. Raven squinted trying to get her eyes to adjust to the resolution. Behind Cheetah stood a man with a moustache in some kind of lab coat. He was on the periphery, but he was clearly there and strangely familiar to her.
"Who is that?" she asked, pointing to the man. Batman gave another small smile.
"That is Dr Morrow. Thomas Oscar Morrow. T O Morrow."
Raven's eyes widened at the realisation. The vision slipped back to her an instant, his face staring at her coldly. "Tomorrow. That's right, he was there."
Batman nodded and turned towards the team. "He is also most likely responsible for the DNA collection that I mentioned to you some months ago. I'm guessing he sent Phobia, Firefly and Shrapnel after you all to get samples. Plus, then they could kill two birds with one stone; get the samples and destroy the Titans."
He paused and smiled towards the Azarathian, then widely to the rest of the team. "Fortunately, they underestimated you. All of you. So now here we are."
"This is bigger than us, man," reasoned Cyborg, looking at all of the data that Robin had uploaded onto the system. "This is bigger than the Titans can handle alone."
"Then it's a good job you're not," replied the Dark Knight, evenly. "We're with you. All of us. Me, Diana, Superman. The whole JLA."
"Seriously?" asked Cy, incredulous. "We're working with you guys on this?"
"Like it or not, you're all involved. Raven had the vision; her contact with Phobia must have created some psychic connection to someone in the group. What she saw may not have been the true future, but it is certainly the future that they are gunning for."
They all sat in a stunned silence for a while, until Robin spoke. "Nothing has changed, guys. We stick to our plan, keep on getting recon and keep on working to be stronger and better."
"Robin is right," agreed Batman, quietly. "The JLA will work alongside you, anything you need you come to me."
"We are not as powerful as your JLA allies," began Starfire, concern in her voice. "But alongside your team perhaps we can defeat them all and protect not only our city but the rest of Earth."
"Right," agreed Beast Boy, nodding vehemently. "We're not going to take this lying down. I saw what they were up to and it was no good. Whether we like it or not, this is how it is now."
"Agreed," confirmed the empath, her eyes glowing with defiance. "We've had the odds stacked against us before. But we didn't have help back then. Now we do."
"Hell yeah," agreed Cy, smiling at the others. "What they said. We'll do this Titan's style."
Robin smiled at the enthusiasm of his team. Batman eyed their sentiments coolly, but there was a satisfaction in his eyes. "Good. Robin and I will keep in touch but if anything changes, you know how to reach me."
He started to pace towards the door. He paused as it whooshed open. "Titans. You have mastered something which in all my years I still struggle with; true teamwork and trust. Don't lose that. It's the one strength you have that no one else will."
With a final smile he vanished down the corridor and out of the Tower in an instant. Everyone turned back towards Robin, the enormity of what they had just been told settling in. He looked at them grimly. "A long road lies ahead of us. But we have some answers now. We keep on with our plans, like I said. There are still lots of unanswered questions, but we'll work it out. We just need time and to stick together, like Bruce said."
"Yes," smiled Raven, standing up and walking towards their leader. She placed her hand on his shoulder reassuringly. "We're with you, Robin."
"All of us," smiled Beast Boy, leaping down and grabbing Raven's shoulder. Star was at Robin's side in an instant, her hand gripping his other shoulder firmly.
"Now and always," she grinned, causing Robin to redden slightly. Cy completed the loop, one hand on Star's shoulder and one on Beast Boy's.
"Booyah," he said quietly, looking towards Robin and nodding. Robin reached up, placing his hands across Raven and Starfire and gave their shoulders a squeeze.
"Titans, GO!"
That evening the changeling and the empath lay in each other's arms, as they had both become accustomed to. The moon was high in the sky, the stars keeping her company. It was a cold night, and they huddled together under Raven's thick duvet trying to keep warm.
"I don't know why we always sleep in your room, Rae," complained Beast Boy, his teeth chattering. "Your room has always been colder."
"And cleaner," responded the Azarathian, icily. She smirked at the young man, over her shoulder. "Besides, don't pretend that you hate snuggling so close to me."
"It's only for warmth," teased Garfield, wrinkling his nose at her. "Don't think that I am enjoying even one second of it."
"Gar, you are transparent," she replied, her face deadpan. "And I am an empath. Give it up. Besides, your lips pull up at the sides when you're lying."
"No, they don't!" exclaimed Beast Boy, his lips pulling up at the sides. She grinned, victoriously and elbowed him in the ribs. "Ow! Okay, maybe they do."
"When will you learn that I'm always right?" smiled Raven, settling herself back down and allowing him to nuzzle into her neck, as he often did.
"Not true," countered Garfield, defiantly. "Because you suggested sleeping in this icebox and promised me it wouldn't be too cold."
"Hush," laughed Raven, despite herself. They both fell silent for a while before she spoke again. "How was Cy today?"
"I think he's okay," replied the changeling, pulling her closer. "He seemed to be resigned to their decision."
"Decision?" asked Raven, still in the dark about the whole situation. "Did something happen with him and Bee?"
"They've decided to call off the long-distance thing and just be friends for now," stated the young man, quietly. Raven turned around to face him, and he looked at her in surprise. "What?"
"Really? Is that what happened?" asked the empath, her lilac eyes glinting with sorrow. Garfield held her small pale hands in his and nodded dourly. Tears brimmed to the surface. "Now I know why he was so sad."
"Yeah, it kind of sucks," conceded Garfield, rubbing his finger across her thumb. "But they seemed to both agree it was for the best. He said that they wanted different things."
"I see," murmured the young woman, her lavender hair spilling out behind her across the pillow. She moved closer to the green man, starting to feel colder now they weren't pressed together. Their legs entwined beneath the sheets and her face moved closer to his. "I'm glad he's being so mature about it, but the sadness I sensed from him was really powerful. It's hit him hard."
"Well, it's like you said yesterday," shrugged the changeling, still rubbing her hands. "He had to say goodbye all over again."
"Ugh, sometimes being right is the worst," complained the empath, closing her eyes. She felt Garfield chuckling next to her and opened them again to give him a little glare. Her expression softened. "He's lucky to have someone like you to talk to."
"Hey, what are best friends for? We don't just duke it out on videogames all the time, you know," joked the changeling, his hand reaching up to brush some hair back from her face. "We all have secret sides as you well know, Rae."
"Speaking of which," began Raven, her eyes narrowing slightly. "That's what all those secret missions were about. Information on Cheetah."
Beast Boy nodded, raising his eyebrow. "You're not mad with me, are you?"
"Of course not," smiled Raven, reaching her own hand out and brushing down his cheek and across his jawline. "Honestly, I would have been more worried about you if I knew how close to danger you really were."
"I know," nodded Garfield, his hands absently running down her bare arms. "That's why Robin wouldn't let me say anything to you about where I was going."
"But...but that was before we told him!"
"Raven, he's known for months," smiled Beast Boy, gently. "Detective, remember? The mystery of our relationship is hardly difficult to work out, especially since we all live in the same building, duh. He told me that he knew but that he also knew you weren't ready to tell anyone. So, he wanted to keep everything calm. For you, for us."
"Now I can't even be mad at him," growled the empath, her eyes full of anger and relief at the same time. She shook her head, smiling dryly. "Clever bird."
"Yeah, he is smart like that," chuckled the changeling, placing a gentle kiss on her lips. "But I'm glad; the last thing that we would have needed was all that extra pressure whilst you were getting used to the idea of us being together."
"That's fair. But you know, it all feels weirdly normal now," admitted Raven, her lilac eyes meeting his green ones. In that moment there was a strange electricity which passed between them, and she felt her heart pick up pace. He'd noticed, she knew he had. "Gar..."
He captured her lips in another kiss, but this time it was more passionate. Surprised for a moment, she gasped as he gripped her hair with some force. As they broke apart she confusedly stared into his face and saw that his eyes had changed. There was a primal, fierce energy in them. She was unsure if it excited her or frightened her. She tried again. "Gar?"
"Rae," he whispered, staring down at her lips with desire. He held himself back, taking a deep breath. "I-I'm sorry—"
"Don't be," smiled the empath, reaching her fingers up to touch his lips gently. Her mind was making sense of things. They were starting to understand each other's reactions and physiology so much better lately that she had a good idea what had just happened. "It was because my heartbeat changed, wasn't it?"
Beast Boy nodded, silently. His eyes were still strange. His pupils were dilated, and his breathing had quickened. She touched her hand down to his heart, which was hammering away with force underneath his t-shirt. She looked down and then back up at him reassuringly.
"It's okay. It's okay," she whispered soothingly, moving her face closer to his and stroking his cheek. She could sense his restraint; he was holding back those powerful emotions because he knew what effect it had on her empathic ability. It was in that moment it all shifted. Something changed in her. She looked him in the eyes, her own lilac ones filled with something different. Inclination. He saw it and he knew instantly. He swallowed, and she sensed a change in his emotions as they moved to a state of anxiety. Her voice whispered to him in the half light, a strange strength in her words. "I'm done, Gar. No more holding back. Not now, not ever."
"Rae, I don't want you to regret this."
"I'm not going to regret this," breathed the empath, her face inching closer to his. She could feel his barriers slipping, the emotions hitting her in drips. Lust. Passion. Desire. Love. Happiness. Fear. "I could never regret you, Garfield Logan."
That was all the reassurance he needed to hear; in that moment he knew that they were both in the same place and he allowed the barriers to come down completely. As soon as he did, his instincts kicked in again and he clutched her desperately once more. She didn't hesitate this time; her hands were in his hair, across his neck, down his back. She tugged his t-shirt away and their skin met. Electricity fired between them, chemical reactions firing rapidly in each of their bodies.
They sank into the darkness, into each other and their love. Allowing themselves to be together completely, without inhibition. The moon shone, and the stars twinkled in the sky, just as they always did. But for the two lovers everything was changed, forever.
The next morning Garfield's green eyes opened groggily. He couldn't remember why, but he had slept amazingly well. As his eyes adjusted to the light, he looked across the bed to see Raven. She was lying there still fast asleep; her face turned away and long violet hair flowing out behind her. His eyes traced her outline and he suddenly noticed that something was different. She was lying next to him completely naked, her pale skin peeking back at him in the early morning light. He swallowed, and memories of the previous night came flooding back to him in an instant. He wasn't sure whether to be ecstatic or terrified, as he felt both in equal measure.
Raven shifted slightly, and Beast Boy didn't dare move for fear of waking her. He had no idea of the time, but it didn't matter right now. She muttered lightly in her sleep then turned fully away from him, the sheets falling down to her waist. He could see her muscular pale back, her long slim arms. That familiar scent that was filling his nose. He couldn't help it; he smiled helplessly at the sight of her. It was as though he was seeing her for the first time. As she fell still, he turned gently to look at the time. 6am. Too early to get up.
Gingerly, he reached out and ran his hand down her arm lightly. She didn't make any sound, so he moved closer to her. Their bodies fell together in that familiar way, her hair tickling his face. He smiled again, feeling his overwhelming protective instincts taking over. He knew in that moment that he never wanted to let her go again. This was it. She was his 'one'. His mate. His everything. Just his.
She shifted slightly and mumbled. His sensitive hearing picked up one muttered word. "Gar."
"I'm here," he whispered softly, unsure if she was awake or asleep. She turned her head slightly to the side and smiled, answering his question. They fell back to silence, enjoying each other's warmth.
"Did last night really happen?" she asked, quietly. It was so quiet that the changeling wondered if he had dreamt it. But his ears did not lie.
"Yes, it really happened," he said, equally softly. His stomach tightened a little and he felt his heartbeat change as panic set in. "You...you're still okay with it, right?"
Her hand found his and she gave it a firm squeeze. "Gar, I don't regret it, stop worrying."
'Empath, right,' he thought, cursing himself for forgetting. He smiled; he could never lie to her even if he wanted to. "I'm sorry, Rae. I just wanted to be sure."
"I understand," she whispered, her breath settling again. She was somewhere between wakefulness and sleep. She yawned, and her body stiffened for a moment as something occurred to her. "Do you regret it?"
"No," he stated, firmly. His nose brushed her ear. "I loved every second."
He could feel her heart rate pick up very slightly despite her tired state, and he smiled in a satisfied way that he still had that reaction from her. Her voice spoke out one more time to him. "And I love you. Now go back to sleep before I put the curse of Azar on you."
"Yes, ma'am," he chuckled softly, and pressed himself closer to her again. They drifted in and out of consciousness for a while, but eventually fell back into a restful sleep. Just then, snow started to fall outside and patter on the window. It covered the streets, the roads, the buildings. But the two Titans didn't feel the cold. Not anymore.
Raven was the first to emerge from her room, wandering towards the kitchen in search of tea. She walked into the room to see the other three Titans making their respective breakfasts and she smiled. Everything seemed peaceful this morning, in line somehow. Raven walked over to the cupboards and reached up for her tea. Robin noticed her and gave a small nod as a greeting.
"Morning, Raven. Sleep okay?"
"Not too bad, all things considered," replied Raven, giving her stock answer to the young man. Robin raised his eyebrow at her, then narrowed his eyes; something was different. Then it struck him. She was humming. As Raven made the tea, she was humming under her breath. So that was that then. He smirked but made no mention of it, eyes flicking back down to the notes in front of him.
As the kettle boiled, the empath poured the hot water onto the teabag and let the steam rise up for a few moments. Her eyes scanned the room and she noticed the snowfall. "Wow. I guess it's definitely winter."
"Yes, friend!" exclaimed Starfire, excitedly. She was poking something disturbing looking with a spoon. It was fluorescent, and both seemed the consistency of jelly and something solid at the same time; it did not look appetising in the least. Raven's lip curled in disgust at her friend's food choice, but she managed a tiny smile. Starfire obliviously continued. "I wish we were able to go and play in the wondrous snow, but Robin says we must be getting on with our plans."
The princess seemed glum at her last statement and Raven raised her eyebrow, turning towards the dark-haired young man. "I see."
"Yeah, Rob's a major killjoy," scoffed Cy, as he clicked around on his laptop. "We're not allowed any fun anymore."
"Hey, that's not fair! I invited the other team over for a fun team bonding night, didn't I?" replied Robin defensively, without thinking. He immediately winced at the realisation of what he had just said, and the implications of it. Cyborg fell silent, and Raven and Starfire gave the boy wonder simultaneous death glares. Robin looked back down at his case files and didn't say another word. Thankfully the doors to ops opened and in walked the green changeling, yawning and stretching widely.
"Hey guys! It snowed!"
"Yes," nodded Starfire, glad to break the horrible atmosphere that had come over the room. "It is most marvellous and beautiful, is it not? What a glorious winter's day!"
"Sure is, Star," smiled Beast Boy, walking over towards the kitchen. Raven was turned towards the counter, stirring her tea slowly. Her other hand rested on the counter top. Beast Boy placed his hand next to hers, leaning on the counter as he reached up to get some cereal from the top cupboard. Surreptitiously, Raven linked her pinkie finger with his, a small smile on her face. At the contact, his green eyes flicked across to hers and he allowed a little grin before continuing to get his breakfast. The small moment passed between them without any of the other Titans even glancing up. Robin took his chance to avert the conversation.
"So, Titans. Today, we need to focus ourselves back on what Bruce said yesterday. We need to come up with some more plans for our upcoming mission against the SS."
They'd taken over recent times to the abbreviation to save time and effort in saying the full SSOSV acronym.
"What you got in mind, Rob?" asked Beast Boy, sitting down at the breakfast bar next to Starfire and munching his cereal as he waited for a response. Robin looked over at them and shrugged.
"Well the weather is a slight problem with some of the ideas I had in mind, but it's nothing we can't handle. It just means more time for planning and getting ready. Speaking of which: Star, how are those fighting plans coming along?"
"Gloriously, Robin," smiled the Tameranean proudly, producing her pink notebook from seemingly nowhere. "Friends Raven, Beast Boy and I have worked very hard to try and make sure that we have no gaps in our techniques. Would you like to see?"
She offered him the book, and he took it gingerly. It was as though he couldn't bear to be seen holding something so grotesque. Raven gave a little wry smile and leant over the breakfast bar towards him.
"It won't bite, Robin," she stated, sarcastically. "It's pink not infected."
Beast Boy and Starfire both giggled in unison at her comment. Robin glared at her, his frustration visible even behind the mask.
"Yes, thank you," he grumbled, pulling it towards himself more forcefully and opening it. He flicked through the pages and his expression changed. He was impressed. "Hey, guys. These are really good."
"Don't sound so surprised, dude," remarked the changeling, winking at their leader. "We did learn from the best."
"I'm going to take that as a compliment," smirked Robin, still looking through the various suggestions his team had put together. "This is looking on point. Exactly what we needed. We can start drilling these new regimes from tomorrow."
Everyone nodded, murmuring in agreement with their leader. He continued, closing the book and pushing it back towards his girlfriend's eager hands. "For today, I think we shift focus. Being prepared is one thing, but we need to know more about what they're up to. As last night's meeting showed, the recon Beast Boy got us was invaluable to cracking some of Raven's riddles."
"I'll take that as the compliment returned," joked Garfield, smiling at the boy wonder and folding his arms. Robin smiled briefly before standing up from the table and gathering his notes in his hands.
"I'm going to spend the day working out what we do. From here on in things are going to become tricky. We'll be on rotas for recon and other detective work until we've solved all or the riddles," began the boy wonder, starting to walk towards the door. He paused at the metal frame, his free hand resting on it. He smiled wryly. "And, as I've been branded such a killjoy this morning, why don't you all enjoy the snow for a while and hope you don't get interrupted by troublemakers in the city. Meeting tonight at 7pm to discuss where we go from here and what I've decided."
With one final nod, he turned on his heel and left the room. Everyone stopped and looked at each other in surprise. The changeling spoke first, eyes wide.
"Dude, did Robin legitimately give us a day off?" he asked, incredulously. Cyborg jumped to his feet.
"He gave us a freakin' day off!" exclaimed the metal man, excitedly. It was as though his inner child had been released. "Come on B, let's go up on the roof and make snow angels!"
Beast Boy looked at Raven, somehow seeking her permission. He was hopping from foot to foot with excitement. Clearly it was contagious. Raven looked at him, her eyebrow quirked. "Garfield, you're nearly twenty. You don't need my permission to go outside and 'play'. Knock yourself out."
He gave a little yelp of delight and grabbed Cyborg by the arm. The two of them ran out of ops like two naughty schoolchildren, giggling and cackling with glee as they ran.
"Not literally though!" shouted Raven, after them. She shook her head and took a sip of her tea before heading over to the couch. Starfire floated after her, quietly giggling.
"Friend, are they not the funniest duo?" she asked, flying towards the window to look out over the city. Raven sat and looked at her, wrapping her hands around the warm mug and smiling.
"They're idiots," she conceded, giving a dry smile. "But they're happy idiots, and that's a good thing."
"Agreed," confirmed the Tameranean, sighing deeply. "It is a shame that Robin will not be joining me for the fun today. I will be missing him. I am guessing that you will be wanting to spend time with friend Beast Boy, yes?"
"Are you kidding, Star?" asked Raven, almost laughing at the suggestion. "Spending the day with those two when there is snow around is not my idea of fun. It'll be pranks galore."
"Then...you will be spending the day alone in your room?" asked Starfire, her voice nervous yet hopeful. Raven looked at her, her own eyes full of understanding. Seeing her best friend like that was like watching an adorable little kitten begging for a ball of yarn. She sighed.
"Kori, would you like to hang out today?" asked Raven, as if the idea had just occurred to her. Fortunately, she was good at acting. Starfire did a flip in the air with glee at the notion.
"Oh, friend!" she exclaimed happily. "How wondrous! Yes, I would most definitely like to spend the girl time with you. What would you like to partake in on this glorious day?"
Raven sat in quiet thought for a few moments, sipping her tea. She looked over at her friend, a glint in her lilac eyes. "I would like to go for a walk."
