Birthday - Tonight, there's a party on the rooftop, top of the world.


"Scared of losing, B?!"

"No way, Cy! You're not even close to catching up!"

"I'm playing winner next round," Robin called, flipping to the next page of the daily newspaper. He had his feet propped on the coffee table and sat beside his two preoccupied friends.

"That should be soon, considering B's about to lose."

"Hey!" Beast Boy feigned a look of disappointment and moved the joystick.

A small lightning bolt appeared on the screen, warning the two that the end of the race was near. The competition reached a boiling point, causing them to sit on the edge of their seats. Beast Boy's thumb began to turn red at the amount of pressure he put on the joystick, while Cyborg smashed buttons together. Even Robin was torn between choosing a crowned winner. The go-karts brushed each other, both veering off to the side. The finish line was visible. So close, yet so far.

"Come on, come on, come on," they chanted.

Another flick of the joystick and Beast Boy's car accelerated, slowly starting to pass Cyborg's. His eye grew as big as saucers as Beast Boy had the upper hand. The green car swerved in various directions, picking up coins on his way to victory. If he didn't act fast, Beast Boy might actually beat him. Cyborg's tense attitude immediately fell into a brighter, happier one.

"Oh, hey Rae!" Cyborg shouted.

"Rae—?" Beast Boy's head spun around, causing Cyborg's car to surpass his and make a clean dash across the finish line.

"Booyah!"

"Wha—but how?!" Realizing that the information was false, Beast Boy threw his controller down. "Dude, you cheated!"

Cyborg snickered. "Did I?"

"You can't pull the Raven card every time!"

"I can and I will," Cyborg hollered. Beast Boy's bottom lip poked out as the half-metal Titan graciously typed his name in for 'High Score'. "It's easy to use! Look at whose champ!"

Robin folded his newspaper, leaning closer in curiosity. "Raven card?"

Beast Boy groaned and face-palmed. "Don't start."

"My dear, birdie boy, listen carefully," Cyborg cooed, arm around the confused leader's shoulder. He waved his free hand across the open space in admiration. "You want this tofu-lovin' salad head to do something? The answer is simple: put Raven's name in the desired sentence—"

Beast Boy cursed under his breath.

"—And he will do it." Cyborg released his hold on Robin and happily wiggled his eyebrows. "Works every time. Especially when they're arguin'."

A conniving smile found its way on Robin's face. "Nice. It would've come in handy for the training course last week that someone missed," he sternly included.

"I told you, Rob. I was sick!" Beast Boy fake coughed. "I feel Round 2 coming."

"Sure you do." Robin picked up the fallen controller and switched to the 'Start' screen. "So, Cy, which course are we playing?"

"Actually—" The sudden hesitant comment forced all eyes to turn to Cyborg. He handed his controller to Beast Boy. "I've gotta head to the mall in a few. Pick up a couple things for tomorrow."

Beast Boy reached for his soda can. "What's tomorrow?" Cyborg's mouth dropped, causing Robin and Beast Boy to freeze.

"You forgot?" Cyborg sneered. "How could y'all forget?!"

"I, uh—"

"No, no. Of course we didn't forget," Robin intervened, nudging Beast Boy. "We may have failed to remember a few details, which I'm sure you'd like to bring up."

"One day out of the year! One. That one special day something turns a year older and you're tellin' me that my two best friends forgot?!" he scolded. They could feel his temper rise. "I'm disappointed in you. I really am."

"Cy, we were just—joking," Beast Boy squealed. He looked to Robin, eyes pleading to just go with it. "Of course we remembered!"

"Yeah. We were, just—making sure you remembered," Robin lamely added. "Um, which you did. Good job."

Cyborg's face softened. "Oh." He sheepishly grinned and patted his friends on the back. "Sorry about that. What was I thinking? Y'all got me for a moment! Nice one." Cyborg shook his head and then left out of the common room.

"Dude, we totally forgot. Wait, what'd we forget?" Beast Boy pondered once Cyborg was out of hearing distance.

"I don't know!" Clutching his hair, Robin tried to piece the information together. "One day out of the year, something gets older. A special day?" A light bulb appeared above both of their heads, Robin and Beast Boy rose to their feet.

"Birthday."


"Thanks for letting me tag along on your little shopping trip," Cyborg greeted.

Raven nodded and Starfire proceeded to wrap Cyborg in her bone-crushing hug. "Friend! You are very welcome! Please, do not ever worry about coming to the mall of shopping with us. We are very grateful for your company!"

"Can't...breathe," he whispered, face turning purple. Starfire carefully let him go and Cyborg took a deep breath. "Thanks, Star." He scanned the area, trying to locate the nearest electronic store.

"What were you going to buy?" Raven asked. Cyborg shot her a look of unbelief. "What?"

"For tomorrow, Rae?"

"Please, what is taking place tomorrow?" Starfire inquired.

"Come on. First the grass stain and Robin forget!" He pointed a finger at the two girls. "Now, you and Raven. Why doesn't anyone remember?"

She and Raven exchanged bewildered glances. "Well, it is not as if we were given the reminder," Starfire muttered.

He cracked his knuckles, preparing his speech. "One day out of the year! One. That one special day something turns a year older and you're tellin' me that you need a reminder?!"

Starfire nodded. "Well, yes, but—"

"Unbelievable!" Cyborg stormed off, leaving two very puzzled ladies.

"Have I said something wrong?" Starfire wondered aloud to her friend. "I do not wish for him to be upset with me."

"No. Cyborg's just being—Cyborg."

Starfire tapped Raven's shoulder as the demoness began to walk away. "I am confused. What is special about the one day and aging? Is this of some importance?"

"I'm not sure." For once, Cyborg truly baffled Raven.


"I have gathered you all this evening for an important meeting," Robin cleared his throat. Looking around the dimly lit room, he nodded in confirmation and pulled out his clipboard. "So—"

"Why did you drag us to the basement?" Raven murmured.

"Because—"

"Wait!" Beast Boy shouted. "Does this have to do with Cyborg?!"

"Sure—"

"Yes, where is Cyborg?" Starfire inquired.

"Well—"

"We simply cannot have the team meeting if all of the team is not present," Starfire explained.

"Star, we talked about this—"

She squinted her eyes. "But it is not fair if our friend is not aware of the plan."

"He's not coming—"

"She's right," Beast Boy added. "It's not—"

"Guys!" Slamming a hand on his cardboard box podium, Robin slowly exhaled. "I was getting to that. Please, can I finish?" Starfire and Beast Boy looked to one another and sighed. "Good. Now, if you all haven't noticed, Cyborg's been acting a little—tense."

"A little?!" Beast Boy shrieked, jumping to his feet. "Dude, he—" Feeling his lips stuck together by a black shield, Beast Boy glared at Raven.

"Let him finish. Sit." She pointed toward his chair and he obediently obliged, grumpily sitting down.

"Thank you, Raven. Now, as I was saying, he's been very tense and giving subtle hints about tomorrow. We have all concluded it has to do with a birthday. So," Robin flipped his clipboard over showing a sloppily drawn blueprint. "We're throwing a birthday party for him."

"And this was your idea?" Raven asked, partially surprised by Robin's bold plan.

He could feel the warmth rise in his cheeks as they turned a bright red. Rubbing the back of his neck, he stammered, "A-And Starfire's."

The Tamaranean nodded in agreement. "Yes, it would be such a glorious occasion to celebrate the birth of our friend. Please, is our plan suitable?"

"It is." Raven could feel all eyes staring at her, in which she the floor interesting to look at. "However, I feel it would be appropriate to ask Cyborg what's so significant about tomorrow instead of assuming—"

"Dude, I'm so down! Party at the Tower? The idea seems sweet!" Beast Boy interrupted, ripping the shield from his lips. "Let's do it!"

"Wonderful!" Starfire sang, happily clapping her hands.

"Great. I've set up a chart with each task to be completed by tomorrow," Robin instructed.

"I hope I am in charge of the feast," Starfire whispered, crossing her fingers for luck. There was a new pudding of happiness recipe that she had diligently worked on for a while. This was the perfect opportunity to display her culinary abilities.

"Raven, you're in charge of decorations. Beast Boy, pick up presents. Starfire, get in contact with guests. I'll have a talk with the catering company. Any questions?" No one made a sound, and he assumed they were satisfied with their given roles. Standing up straight with a confident pose, Robin smiled. "Titans, go!"


The Tower was filled with partygoers scrambling about. Starfire's eyes glowed at the sight of all the catered food, and she jealously held her bowl of pudding. "The food looks great. The caterers sure outdid themselves," Robin remarked, standing beside her.

"I cannot say the same. Friend Cyborg would have appreciated a traditional Tamaranean meal. I have even made the pudding of happiness," she hissed. Running her finger across the top, she lifted the tentacle-filled dessert up to Robin's nose. He tried his hardest not to gag. "Do you not like the Tamaranean delicacies?"

Robin swallowed, beginning to fear her harsh tone. "No! It's just—"

"Do not make such excuses!" Starfire grunted, flipping her hair as she floated past him. Robin flinched at her 'clorbag varblenelk' mutters she made after leaving. Turning to his left, he gave the eavesdropping empath a thumbs up before chasing after his disgruntled girlfriend.

Raven levitated a 'Happy Birthday' banner in the air, unsure of where to place it. She lost her focus at the cool touch of a hand placed upon her shoulder. "Hello, Bee."

"Raven."

"Is there something I can help you with?" Raven asked.

The leader of the Titans East bit her lip, and pulled the empath aside. "Are they aware that today isn't—"

A green hawk flying in front of the security camera squawked and morphed into Beast Boy's human form. "Dudes! He's coming. Get down!" Everyone rushed to their designated positions. He ran beside Raven and Bumblebee, pushing them underneath the table. Crouching low, Beast Boy nudged Raven. "He's gonna love this!"

Heavy footsteps grew closer to the door, and it finally swished open. As Cyborg entered the room whistling, he was met with a very loud, "Surprise!" Taking a moment to compose himself, the flattered man held a hand to his chest.

"You really remembered!" he began.

"Dude of course, anything for a friend's birthday!" Beast Boy encouraged.

"Y'all really shouldn't have!" Cyborg chuckled. "All for the T-Car too?! This is amazing!"

If looks could kill, Robin's would have murdered his mechanical friend a thousand times. His smile instantly fading, he approached Cyborg. "Excuse me?"

"Um..remember when I told you guys it was that one day something turns a year older?" Cyborg reminded. "Well, I went to the mall to pick up some new speakers for my baby."

"Friend, I do not understand," Starfire confessed.

"Today marks the T-Car's anniversary! Five years ago, I built that baby from scratch. Now look at her, still runnin' smoothly. And you guys made this big party to celebrate!" His hands fell to his side. "Right?"

"Of course we threw a surprise party, for a car," Raven quipped, earning a few stony glares from Robin.

"I tried telling Starfire," Bumblebee spoke up. "But our call ended before I could." Alas, the tension in the room rose. No one daring to say a word.

"Oh, this is just great! Did someone get that on camera?!" The loud burst of chuckles from Kid Flash forced Jinx to drag him out of the room by his ear.

"Please, is this what we refer to as the awkward?" Starfire wondered.

Scratching his head, Cyborg's lips curved into an apologetic smile. "Well, since everyone's here—who's up for cake?!"


-Moral of the story: always double check before throwing parties. Have a lovely day, lovely people.

Mail Time!:

Peach Tuesday's - I really enjoy The Beast too. It felt pretty good exploring that part of Gar. Hopefully in the future, maybe more exploration of some of Raven's emotions. Thank you!

Curse You Perry The Platypus - He really does deserve more stories!

Katwizzle - Why thank you. I was hoping you did. :)

charmedprincess101 - Thank you so much. I agree 100% The Beast really does bring more drama and excitement. Beast Boy really can't handle it (babysitting) , but maybe next time Raven can help him out or something. :)

lanamere - Thank you! :)

Darkflames and fire - That's good that it inspired you. It sounds very interesting, "Backfired Prank". :)

AT - I can't wait for you to read it either!

ilovebeastboy - Thank you so much :)

TinTin - You don't know how badly I want them married off with two kids, haha. But that's taking the easy way out. Besides, I don't think Raven would be the type to easily run to the altar. I want to keep it as original and in-character as possible. Ahh, but all your compliments. Thank you so much! I really appreciate it.

just chillin. killin - Your reactions are killing me, haha. Hope you enjoyed it!

Jen09 - Thank you so much! Kids? Hehe... Never doubt the future. You never know what's in store. I'm really excited for these new chapters I have plotted out, and...a break up? Hmmm. :)

RavenRose1011 - Excuse me, but your review was pure amazingness! Thank you so much :)