Jay glanced down at her phone again as she scribbled fake notes, catching a glimpse of her dress without obviously staring down at her own cleavage. The outlandish dress had been chosen by her boss to draw the attention of men passing by them. Her eyes rose with affirmation she was still professionally concealed in the fabric. It had been hard to readjust between interviews, modestly but in a hurry.
Giving the man in front of them a smile, she raised the phone a little higher, finished with her notes and needing to catch his words. He wasn't paying her any more attention than anyone else. Besides, she was just an intern, and while shoved towards the front, the men around her were obviously the ones asking the questions. Her body slightly angled towards the entrance, giving her at least the advantage of knowing who the next hero was without having to look away from the current one.
Jay's stomach gripped as the woman stepped away from the gaggle of reporters directly before her own. Beast Boy had blocked Raven from her view and she gave a shuttered breath. It was obvious why Speedy wasn't giving her the time of day with women like that surrounding him. As if on cue, the beautiful blond Artemis stepped up and whispered something in his ear. It caused his face to momentarily thin and he walked away with a quick wave.
This had happened a few times throughout the night already. Enough that Jay imagined each one to be an escape plan, not a real emergency. After all, they were heroes with more important things to do than answer the same questions again and again. But it was part of the event. The charity balls had been set up partly to raise money for the cities they were sponsored in, but also to cover the costs that always seem to follow superhero groupings. And since it was for their benefit as well as their beloved city members, they went about the steps with as few complaints as possible. People did pay good money to spend a night with them, feeling like they were just hanging out with the heroes.
Now that Speedy was gone, however, she was openly exposed to the eyes of the advancing pair. The newly relocated duo had been out of town for several months now, setting up a new home somewhere out of the country. They had kept their plans mostly secret, only saying they would always return if they were needed. It was enough to warrant them a small goodbye from the city, but an even bigger return as newspapers and TV shows couldn't get enough of them. Even more so, since the two were being relatively hidden since returning and giving only a few rare moments of their time. Of course, Jay had soaked up every minute that she could. The fearless woman dressed in a floor-length black gown was everything Jay aspired to be. Tonight she wasn't just the bad ass, though. Tonight she was drop-dead perfect. The high back of her neck gave her already tall neck and pinned back hair the appearance of royalty.
The pair exchanged glances, Beast Boy's smile much larger than Raven's as he lightly touched her back and stepped away. His hand gripped someone else's across the line and he used the other to pat the man's arm. The men around Jay tried to stifle their groans at the sight of the more amiable partner getting distracted. Raven approached just as the group of men just so happened to take a step back from the ropes. Except for Jay's boss, who leaned against her, eager to get to the powerful woman.
"What's it like to visit the team you're no longer a part of?" A man beside her threw out.
Raven's eyes flicked to him, and there might have been a slight narrowing of her eyes. Of course, all the men didn't notice and began crowding in again. But she held her head high and calmly replied with the dignity of a queen.
"I'll always be a Titan. And I'm proud of how much they've come in such a short time. It's amazing to see the growth from an outsider's point of view."
"Any input on the Waldorf case?" Dan pushed against Jay again, inching closer. Gulping, Jay tried to mentally quiet the ache in her stomach as the nerves began growing worse. Raven's eyes flashed brightly this time, her jaw clenched as she gave her own gulp and deep breath.
"Not at this moment." But her voice was as calm as before. The men, still none the wiser and fueled by Dan bringing up the question started firing off their own. Talking excitedly over each other for the first time all night like this were a different event entirely. Seemingly to them, this was a moment for a real piece, even at the expense of Raven's feelings. Jay's face flushed at the knowledge that her boss had started it. A charity ball was not the place. Words of demons and satanic symbols were thrown all around her and right at the stone woman in front of them.
"Do you think it was a relative of yours?" Dan asked, pushing his recorder out as far as his arms would reach. To remove herself, Jay lowered her own phone and cast her eyes to the ground.
Raven had given a few more scripted "I can't say at this time", but paused at this one. Jay glanced up, her eyes straining to look up as her head remained lowered.
"It's hard to say, but I heard you report it possibly was. Perhaps you can tell me?" Raven gave him a small smirk, keeping it as he quickly fired back another question. They continued, unaffected as Raven looked over at Beast Boy for a quick sincere smile. Her weight shifted to the back of her heels, preparing to leave. Jay's head shot up in a panic. Not only was Raven rumored to leave within the week, but she was here standing right in front of her in the most beautiful dress a woman could wear. This could be her one shot to give her hero the thanks she deserved, for Raven to know how much she had inspired her. The dream encounter she had envisioned since being assigned this event was going so horribly wrong. Raven wasn't receiving fond memories or appreciation from the woman, but harassment from the men around her. Just as Raven took her first step away, Jay blurted the first thing she thought of out.
"Welcome home," this stopped Raven's movement "we missed you." The last words were barely mumbled out as the amethyst eyes locked onto Jay's. Her shoulders remained stiff and held back, but her face softened a bit. Her jaw unclenched and a small smile began to appear.
"Thank you," She replied, hushing all the men around her. Obviously, she wasn't responding to any of their comments.
"What's your name?" Raven took a step closer, singling Jay out. The weight of all the other reporters flooded Jay's mind and every part of her body began to sweat.
"Um..." Her name. Her name. It was the easiest thing in the world. "Jay," she answered, then quickly corrected it. "Jennifer. It's um, it's Jennifer."
"But you go by Jay?" Raven correctly guessed.
Jay nodded, "I had a big family, lots of cousins, our family just resorted to using first letters. Usually, you grow out of it, most of my generation has switched to their real names, but I liked it." Taking a deep breath, her eyes wandered over Raven's face. She was wearing one of those kind smiles that said she wasn't fully paying attention to this dull story and her thoughts were elsewhere. For the longest second Jay had experienced Raven just silently looked at her.
"Would you care for a drink?" Raven offered, levitating the rope up for Jay to slip under.
"Oh, I can't..." She began explaining, gesturing towards the line behind Raven. The crass man leaning on her back spoke over her, essentially repeating what Jay was trying to say. In a less courteous manner.
"She's working, and just an intern. I would love to escort you in." Dan's arm gripped Jay's, shoving her back between two other men.
Never had Jay seen such a mixed display of anger and poise. A pressure formed against the back of Jay's body, keeping her from roughly bumping into the men and pushing them further away.
"If you want any shot of a real interview from me, it will be with her and only her." Raven's voice was firm as she leaned toward Dan. Several inches shorter, she commanded a presence that gave her feet on the pathetic man. "Besides," she rose a brow as he backed off, "isn't this what internships are all about? To learn?" Jay took the opportunity and stepped beneath the rope. Glancing back as Raven slipped her arm into Jay's, she caught the look of Dan. She had lost the internship and any shot at a real job afterward. Briefly, she wondered if it was better to be unemployed and sticking up for your morals or quietly suffering but able to eat.
But then she stepped into the room. It might be another year of scraping by on a new unpaid internship, but at least she could enjoy this night. And hell, at Dan's obviously sexist request, at least she was dressed for the occasion. After this one drink with Raven, she could wander the party as any other guest and eat her fill of fancy pastries. And tiny biscuits. A waiter with a tray of some type of small fried dumpling passed by. And whatever that was. Lost in her grand thoughts, Jay reached for one.
Pausing with her mouth open, she glanced back at the woman still on her arm.
"Sorry," she murmured, looking to place it back somewhere.
"Why? Someone should enjoy it. I haven't had meat in months," she grumbled and climbed on a bar stool at a high top table. The table was surrounded by other high tops and couples mingling in hushed tones. Overall the room had a very grandiose feeling. A large orchestra played with diamonds and pearly white teeth joyfully sparkling around them.
"I've never been to something this fancy," Jay admitted. Her phone clicking on the table as she placed it down to catch the crumbs of her treat as she took a bite. Raven's eyes glanced down at it.
"Oh," Jay mumbled and quickly swallowed the bite. "Sorry, I forgot to turn the recorder off." Raven's eyebrow rose in question. "I wasn't really going to interview you, was I?"
"Do you want to?" Raven's smile and stare froze Jay in her spot. A waiter appeared with two flutes of champagne and a plate and napkin for Jay. Quickly depositing the food and dusting her fingers off, Jay's body began to flush again. She hadn't been nervous when she had thought everything was going to shit anyway.
"We don't have to," She didn't know why she was trying to back peddle out of the best piece she could ever produce. Flicking her finger over the screen, she clicked the recorder off. The way Raven looked tonight. The way she was smiling at her. The way Jay's butterflies thrilled her. She didn't want to share this with anyone else. Though, there was her future to think about.
"Are you alright?" Raven asked, her hand reaching out to rest on Jay's. The feel of her palm sent a jolt through Jay's body. It was extremely soft, tender, and probably felt good...
"So," Jay pulled her hand away, "where have you been?" Her voice squeaking.
Raven glanced at her palm with a smile. "Not fighting, obviously," she said, raising the delicate hand. "We've been focusing more on mental stability. Teaching meditation and balance." Alone and away from the reporters, her voice was softer and her body curved towards Jay as she leaned on her elbows.
Jay's voice equally dropped at the realization and she mirrored Raven's posture.
"You do look well rested." Well rested was an understatement. For the first time, she didn't look absolutely pissed off or stern. Then again, Jay had never really seen her this close off camera.
"It suits you." The corners of Raven's eyes squinted a bit as she smiled. "I mean," Jay sat up straighter, "not that you weren't beautiful before. It's a different kind. Like a powerful ..." Dominatrix came to mind, but Jay stopped there and sat back on the chair with a deep breath.
"Thank you," Raven's eyes left Jay's for the first time for a brief assessment of the rest of her. "Though, I would venture to say I'm not nearly as beautiful as you."
"Oh, haha no," she waved her hands to dismiss the thought. True she was blessed with the curves of her gorgeous Latina mother but she couldn't take that title off Raven. Picking at her clothes she tried to cover herself up as much as she could. All the way back she felt Raven could see more of her body, and leaned in drawing her arms together uncomfortably in front of her. Though it made her chest stand out more, she didn't want to seem fidgety and remained that way.
"I don't normally dress like this. I mean I wouldn't for work. This is really unprofessional. My boss just wanted me to stand out. Keep the men around." She was over explaining again and quieted down.
"You look stunning and fit for a ball," Raven's hand reached out again to rest on Jay's as her other hand raised to find a waiter. "But if you feel uncomfortable, I'm sure we can get you new clothes."
"No," Jay shook her head, "I just didn't want you to think..."
The soft hand gave a squeeze, "Not at all. But since you are prepared for a ball and this is not an interview. Shall we have a drink?" The glasses gave a small clink in cheers before the two slipped into easy conversation. An hour passed before Raven rose to excuse herself to the restroom.
"Why don't you order us something you'll enjoy" Raven offered, her head nodding towards the full glass of champagne.
"Oh," Jay had forgotten about her drink. "Sure," she nodded, unable to admit Raven had just distracted her. Soaking in the room, Jay reveled in the few minutes to just people watch. Till a tall man interrupted her.
Taking Raven's seat was the other half of the duo.
"Hi," he smiled and extended his hand. "I'm.." he started, but Jay's laugh stopped him.
"Please," she responded with an eye roll. After talking to Raven, this was nothing. Even with the girlhood crush she had on him in high school. "I'm Jay," she replied and took his hand.
"Jay? I like that." His emotions were vibrant and displayed clearly across his face. The grin gave away his playful charm and slightly sinister fangs. In school, the girls had gushed over those fangs, delving into their more adventurous sexual sides. It had all been a secret world to them at that budding age, a secret world that no longer made her giggle but smile.
A waiter approached the table to ask if they needed anything.
"Actually, yes, I think you can take these. And we'll have two..." she hadn't had time to think of anything. Beast boy didn't give any sign to help after her confused glance. So she gave out the easiest thing that came to mind.
"Rum and cokes." The waiter nodded and left with the glasses.
"She asked me to order for us," Jay explained, though he didn't actually question why she was ordering for his partner. "I feel like she probably drinks and handles the strong stuff."
The laugh was deeper than most men's, flushing Jay's skin yet again.
"You would think so. We haven't had alcohol in months though, and I doubt she's gotten any better at handling straight liquor. But she's so adorable when she tries." The corner of his mouth lifted again as he glanced down at the glass in his hand, momentarily caught in the fond memory of his love.
"Sorry I'm taking all her attention," Jay started. She had intended to offer to slip away or something but stopped. It wasn't what she wanted to do. He bounced up with a smile.
"Not at all! She's always so miserable at these things. I'm thrilled she found someone to talk to."
"Really? She seems like she could talk to anyone." Jay said, turning around to see if the woman in question was returning. But upon turning back she found a very skeptical Beast Boy.
"Raven?" He said with his brows scrunched and lips pursed. "Not in the slightest. She just likes you." One of his hands left his glass to reach for hers. The tips of his fingers, damp and cool from the glass, grazed the inside of her wrist. Goosebumps spread from her arm and sent a jolt through her spine. The moisture in her mouth vanished as the air came in with a gasp. Before tonight she would have sworn he was more her type, but the butterflies in her stomach only reminded her of Raven. That beautiful woman with the soft hands and powerful presence.
"Heh," he laughed, pulling his hand back to his glass. "I think she's gotten better at this than me." Their private bubble snapped as the waiter placed two glasses on the table.
"May I get you anything else?" The waiter asked.
"Um," Jay looked back at Beast Boy, giving him a second to speak up. "No, we're good, thank you." As she was talking to the waiter, the green hand had slipped around Raven's drink and risen it slightly to Jay's left, away from the waiter. He gave the space a wink before taking a sip.
"It was nice to meet you," He said with another wink towards her, and slipped off his seat to walk behind her. Jay had to twist around, but couldn't help herself from watching the couple. They met with matching soft smiles till Beast Boy leaned forward and whispered in her ear. Raven's face lit up with a brilliant smile and short laugh.
"I'll let you know," her lips read. Patting his chest with what appeared to be an attempt at a wink, she returned to her seat. She really could be adorable.
"Hmm?" Raven asked, taking a sip. Jay hadn't stopped looking at her since her exchange with Beast Boy.
"Oh, sorry," Reaching for her glass, Jay shook her head. "I was just um... just lost in thought I guess."
"About what?" The glass landed beside Jay's hand, still glued to the table, and Raven leaned over. The space between them was reduced to inches.
"Nothing." Jay licked her lips. No one had affected her like this so fast, especially not a woman. While her chest rose and felt with deep breaths and thudded with anxiety and excitement, Raven seemed totally in control. Jay would think herself insane if it wasn't for the small part of Raven's lips that had formed when she watched Jay lick them. Or the intensity in her eyes as they joined Jay's.
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah." Jay held her gaze taking a deep breath.
"Yeah?" The soft hand slowly ran along Jay's, cupping it against her glass. Raven's brow rose and her smile turned devilish.
Thundering in her head, Jay's heartbeat overtook her thoughts. This couldn't be real. But if it was. That soft hand, those supple lips.
Drawn forward, Jay breathed out, "Oh yeah."
"Walk with me," Raven said, standing from the table.
"Mhm," Jay snatched up her drink for at least one gulp. Then dropped it back on the table to throw her purse back over her head. The sound of both their heels clicking together on the marble as they walked excited Jay. Growing up that sound had always made her think of powerful businesswomen in pantsuits. It had always made her feel strong and sexy. Walking arm in arm and smiling, anyone else would assume them a pair of giggling girls leaving the party from over intoxication. And the deceit added naughtiness to the heel's clicks. The pull on her arm abruptly forced her stumbling after Raven into the closet. A shockingly strong arm caught her as the door swung shut.
"Sorry," Raven muttered, her other hand grabbing Jay's other side and pulling her in.
"It's..." is all Jay got out before Raven's lips were on hers. The room was pitch black and they were forced to go by feel. Which wouldn't be difficult if they were pressed next to each other. Wrapping her arms around Raven's neck, she kissed her back with the intensity Raven was asking for. It was clumsy and awkward as they pressed up against several coats, their heels getting caught on something on the floor.
Raven broke the kiss and whispered, "Hold on," against Jay's lips. Before she could question it, Jay stomach sunk like she had been dropped from a tall building. Clenching to Raven, a small cry erupted out. Then the feeling just vanished and the ground was once again beneath her feet. The moonlight shone brilliantly through the window, casting Raven in a stunning glow. Her eyebrows were creased slightly with only a small smile remaining.
"Sorry," she whispered, "it's a little odd the..."
This time it was Jay's turn to cut her off. She pushed her hand into the thick violet hair and promptly shoved her tongue back where it belonged. Now in their own room, they didn't have to be quiet and Raven's moan increased Jay's desire even higher. Throwing off their purses and tugging her back, Raven brought them both on top of the bed so they were both on their knees, lips still entangled. The split in Jay's dress allowed her to spread her knees further apart than Raven's. Giving Raven the opportunity to run her hand up the exposed leg. Just as her finger grazed the panty line, Jay pulled away with a moan. Fumbling with the clip on her back she desperately tried to expose herself.
Raven was now breathing as hard as Jay and reached around her to unclip it for her. Pulling the fabric down, the cold air prickled Jay's hot flesh. Raven grinned and effortlessly unzipped her own dress till they were both standing on their knees in pools of cloth. Wearing nothing but underwear, and in Raven's case an actual bra. They found their way to fully laying on the bed. Jay straddling Raven, as the sorceress gazed up at her, running her hands over Jay's body. Those wonderful hands were delicious as Jay had imagined. Soft and gentle they wound themselves over Jay's darker skin.
"Wait," Jay jumped, startling the woman beneath her into pulling her hands away. The feeling was cold and Jay wanted them back. "What about Beast Boy?" Even if no one had right out said they were together, it was obvious they were.
Raven laughed lightly, not denying anything. "It's okay," she said.
"But he adores you. I can't do this to him." That same twinkle appeared in her eyes that Beast Boy had only minutes before.
"He does. Doesn't mean we can't have an open relationship."
"Oh," Jay thought it over as Raven's hands found her body again. Leaning over, she gave Raven a kiss. He did seem totally aware of something earlier, even if Jay hadn't been. Besides, a man like that wouldn't need to be alone tonight. Resting on her hands, she looked down at the woman below her. The black mess of curly hair curtained Raven's pale face. Though, there was no way he would find a woman like this.
"He's really getting the short end of the straw here," Jay said with a twinge of guilt.
"He doesn't have to." Raven countered, raising a brow.
"What?" Jay sat up and nibbled on her lip lightly. "Really?" Men did seem to have a fascination with lesbian sex.
Raven nodded and smiled. Her phone levitating to her hands before Jay even responded.
"Yeah?" Raven's finger paused on the screen, her eyes glancing over the phone at Jay. Those teeth, that deep laugh.
"Oh yeah," Jay's hips began grinding into Raven's, sending a thrill of excited laughter through the demon. The phone was tossed away and the kisses resumed.
The deep voice of Raven's lover uttered a breathless curse word of approval before the bed moved from his arrival. Also straddling his partner, he lined his pelvis up against Jay's ass and joined Raven in exploring her body. Warmer than Raven's, his large hands gave Jay a different type of lust and she straightened up to push the rest of her body against him. Nibbling at her neck, his hands snaked around her, tracing up through and over her breasts.
Raven's small hands took the other side and traced over her inner thighs before slipping her thumbs under Jay's underwear.
Moaning, Jay looked down at the beauty. Her eyes were watching the two on top of her. Smiling, her lips were parted as if she were the one so close to her orgasm and not Jay. Raising her arm, Jay wrapped them around Beast Boy's neck, giving Raven the best view of her body. One of Beast Boy's hands slipped down, focusing on Jay's clit as Raven massaged everywhere else.
"You're going to make her cum," Beast Boy moaned in her ear. His voice dripping with desire. Looking down again, Jay gasped. Dampened with sweat, arching her back, and biting her lip, Raven's eyes were shut in near climax.
"Oh fuck," It shot through Jay and she was forced to let go of Beast Boy and bend over. Raven's head tipped back even more in a scream, her fingers gripping Jay's legs. Relaxing, both women collapsed, hugging each other. Their deep breathing eventually slipping into giggles. The bed shifted again as Beast Boy hopped off. Jay rolled off Raven, still holding on and winding down their giggles.
"Leaving so soon?" She asked. He hadn't even had the time to remove a single item of clothing. Pulling his tie free, he gave a crooked grin.
"Not even close."
Raven laughed beside Jay, taking her attention away from the undressing man. There was a tenderness in her smile. Glancing back towards Beast Boy, she found it in him too as he kept his eyes on his partner and stripped off his shirt. They had a special bond and Jay was touched to have been allowed into their private beautiful life. Before she could get too emotional though, a newly freed set of breasts reminded her why she was really here.
Waking the next morning, Jay rolled over to find her bed empty of both partners. She wasn't altogether surprised. It had the overly heated feel of a one night stand anyway. But however she looked at it, the plush room was well above her negative salary. Rearranging the pillows, she prepared herself for a few more hours of sleep. Till the dresser caught her eye. A bouquet of flowers that wasn't there the night before. Cautiously, she slid out of the bed. Really, for all, she knew they could have been there and she didn't want to rush for something that wasn't what she thought it was.
Sure enough, they were for her. Biting her lip she bounced a little and opened the envelope simply marked "J" as she sniffed the roses.
"Rumors have gotten worse over the night and I'm in need of a PR manager. Call me, Raven. P.S Please enjoy the room service for us. It's charged to the room."
Jay smiled, even more, laughing to herself. She spelled her name with three letters, Raven had done so with one since that's where the name had come from. Raven had also offered her a more private role in media. A chance to tell people's true stories and not yell at them across little lines. Another story she had thought boring to someone like the hero. But they weren't just heroes. They had freely talked about their decision to have an open relationship when Jay had asked. And Jay at least knew they were people just like her, trying their best to be the best they could. Being heroes for each other as much as for the city.