Many chapters in, but first disclaimer.
I very much do not own Teen Titans. If I did, would I be writing fan fiction?
It took Raven about 15 minutes to clean both bathrooms, there really wasn't much to do especially with her powers. Everything was picked up, wiped and even febreezed with two simple mantras. Beast Boy took about half an hour to clean his designated place. Raven finished first so she went back to the common room to wait for Gar to finish cleaning.
Some animals were not exactly helpful for cleaning, so for the most part he had to use his human form. He morphed to a gorilla to move the couch around, other than that everything was pretty straight forward.
"Okay I think that's about it, you read to go to the roof Rae?".
Raven brought out one of her books to read while he finished up. She quickly finished her last paragraph and bookmarked the page.
"I am going to go to my room and put my book away, I will meet you up there".
Beast Boy dusted himself off, "Sounds good".
Cyborg was still cooking, he liked to slow cook basically everything to give it the enhanced flavor.
Once both were on the roof they got to work. Raven removed all fallen leaves and spider webs (none were harmed for Gar's chagrin). Raven was about to move some of the roof patio furniture around until Gar stopped her.
"No, that actually goes more towards the left and its actually flipped the other way around".
"Beast Boy…sorry, Gar, its furniture. People sit on it and that's pretty much it, there's not much to it. Why does it even matter?". It wasn't a big deal, but Raven did feel annoyed to have him correct her for something so pointless.
"I know it sounds ridiculous, but it does matter". Beast Boy approached Raven and stood next to her to point where the elongated sofa belonged. "See, it goes there and flipped to the other side so that whoever sits there can have a view of the moon over the water. The party is at night, so we don't have to worry about the sunlight".
Raven still did not think it was a big deal but looking at her unamused expression he soon replied with, "Believe it or not, that is Robin's idea. He likes to set a good ambience. If you think that is extra, just wait till you hear about the other details".
There were other details?
And again, to Raven's surprise, there were.
They had patio heaters on the roof for chilly nights. They arranged then in a certain order where one corner was hotter than the rest of the area, for consideration of Hot Spot. The opposite side would colder than the rest, courtesy for Aqualad and Kole/Gnark since they were used to the cold.
The string lights had to be above a certain level in order to not get hooked into anyone passing by (looking at you Wildebeast).
All these details, and Garfield was able to remember all of it. In a way it didn't surprise Raven since he was always the one helping Starfire set up the arrangements, but still. It showed a bit of responsibility which was still a topic grappling Raven's mind. As of late she just kept on getting subtle remaindered that he wasn't so boy anymore.
Once they were done, Beast Boy plopped himself to the couch overlooking the ocean and optimal sun.
"Sit down for a while Rae, I think we are all done now. Take a breather".
"We have fought countless villains, sometimes multiple at once. Us cleaning for an hour and a half isn't exactly draining".
Beast Boy rolled his eyes, "Okay sure, but enjoy the view. We literally live on the most exclusive spot in all of Jump City".
Raven rolled her eyes in response, but nonetheless made her way towards the couch next to him, still ensuring some space between them.
"I didn't know that we were taking applications for move-ins. The 5 of us as it is are already taking up so much space on this alphabet shaped building".
"You could just take the joke ya know", Gar replied unamused.
"Where is the fun with that?", she gave a teasing look.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, whatever Rae. So, are you serious about actually joining the party?".
Raven let go of a very audible sigh, "Ugh you too? Aren't you the one that suggested me to attend?".
"Hey, I say a lot of things, and none of them you ever listen to", Beast Boy leaned on the sofa looking towards Raven".
"Touché, but yes I will be in attendance. It is not like I have to figure out transportation accommodations".
"Amen to that, I don't know how I would be able to drag Cyborg by myself from a party back to the tower. I think the only one capable in all of Jump is Starfire".
"I guess you got a point. Will there be alcohol?".
That caught Garfield off guard, but it was not too far-off topic.
"Think so, I mean the only underaged ones are Kole, you and I. I have never seen her drink though, I think she said something about the smell makes her nauseous, but you're like 21 in like a few months and I am just a year, give or take a few months, away. We're the babies".
"Some mentally more than other's", Raven said with a slight chuckle.
"Are you done roasting me? I asked you to join me watching this beautiful view and all you've managed to do are turn my precious jokes against me". Beast Boy shifted a bit to have his body face Raven a bit more. "Anyways, yeah there should be. I don't think Robin minds if we drink, as long as we don't do it in front of him. I tried to pull that many animals age more rapidly than humans and whatnot, he didn't really buy it but he was convinced when I told him that if there was an emergency or something, someone just has to remind me to shift to a bigger animal so the alcohol would break down faster. But it's not like I drink to that point nor do I really plan to. I mean you're part demon, does alcohol even affect you?".
"Demons do like to imbibe in taboo activities, alcohol historically is known as one, so yes they enjoy alcohol. I do not know if it impairs me the same as humans though, I never really put it to the test".
"Yeah, figures you wouldn't. Well, I'm not telling you nor encouraging you to get plastered or anything, but if you ever want to try it, here is the safest bet. You would be at home and have your friends to help you if need be".
"I am not actively avoiding alcohol, never had an interest really. Plus, Kole is right, the smell is putrid".
"Yeah, the smell isn't the best. Did you know some animals get drunk? That gives me more of an excuse to do it".
"I was not aware no, but interesting to note. Have you ever gotten drunk?".
Beast Boy pressed his back against the sofa, staring again at the sea. "Hmmm blacked out drunk? Yeah once, it was like a year and a half back. Cyborg has holorings for all of us remember? One night we both snuck out and went to this big party that this girl asked Cyborg to attend after one of our missions. We told Robin that we were going to this game release outside of town. I was too young, and Robin would never had let me go if he knew there would be alcohol, Cyborg on the hand told me he went to plenty of high school parties filled with booze. He figured I never would experience that due to our obvious career set up, so one time would not hurt, boy was he wrong".
This was the first time for Raven hearing about this. She did not think Cyborg would be okay sneaking behind Robin's back. For Beast Boy on the other hand, that could just be a typical Thursday.
"What happened?".
"So like, everything was all fine. I took two beers, which at the time I thought were totally gross by the way, but I didn't want to chicken out so I managed. It definitely is an acquired taste, I can appreciate one every now and then. Well anyways, so it all went downhill when they were doing birthday shots. So the girl that invited Cyborg told everyone to take a shot for her bestfriend's birthday so we all did. I would have been fine if we stopped there, but the shot really got me in the party mood. It was my first time drinking after all. Cyborg saw that I was enjoying himself and saw that I was still cool, so he went with the girl and he introduced me to her bestfriend…wow".
Beast Boy didn't notice that he said that last word, but Raven for sure caught that, she saw his cheeks reddening once he noticed she was staring at him while he was still daydreaming of that girl.
"Well? Wow…and then what?"
Gar was frazzled, "Huh?...Oh wait yeah! Sorry, so anyways me and her were talking for a bit, but I was not Beast Boy here remember, she asked how did I know Cyborg, since I was the only one wearing the ring, and more about me and so I panicked. In order to avoid asking questions I recommended more drinks in order for her to stop asking the questions and it worked…until I ended up throwing up on her shoes".
Raven's eyes popped in shock, "You did not…".
"Girl, I did", Beast Boy covered his face in embarrassment remembering the events but still managed to laugh about the memory.
"Yeah I did, it was so embarrassing. Girl was a smoke show, but it was dead on arrival once I did that. She told her friend and Cyborg literally had to drag me out of there. I mean, that's not such a big deal, but I tried to shift while he carried me out so I could stay. He had slap to me in order for me to listen. We got back here and the difficult part was getting me in my room without Robin knowing. He was about to wake you up to open a portal right to my room, but that would have required letting you know what we did and the even more dangerous part in waking you up. He basically had to bind my mouth so I couldn't make a noise and just threw me on my bed. I apologized so much, I offered his dish duty for two weeks that we just told you guys was over a video game bet".
"Smart move on not waking me, but I would have helped. Of course, you would also have done my dish duty for 2 weeks too, Robin would have been suspicious of that".
"How noble of you Rae", she laced with sarcasm. "Well yeah there you go. After that, I have drank here and there, but realized that if I shift here and there, the alcohol can break down easier, but I don't let myself get to that point anymore".
"Oh how responsible of you", followed with a signature eyeroll.
"Why did you ask about the alcohol though?", even if it was somewhat brought up, he did not expect that from Raven of all people.
"Well, I don't exactly plan to get trashed at the party, but I may have to partake in a drink or two", she saw Gar's jaw drop in shock.
"Oh come on, not again. I mean I feel like I will be forced to anyways, especially if I won't be there for my signature "Hi and bye" as Robin put it. I just want to know what to expect".
"Hey, I wouldn't blame you if you got hammered Rae, it's a part of life".
"I don't think being intoxicated to the point of no return is a part of life".
Beast Boy leaned back and crossed his arms holding the back of his head, "Sure is babe. I can acknowledge I probably messed up Cy's night, but even he admitted that everyone should test their limit at least just once".
"First of all, don't call me babe. Or else the next time I come up here with you is to put flowers on your grave".
Beast Boy could not help but give a slight chuckle and put his arms up to his defense. he was able to tell that he took it as a joke but still was able to feel that lingering worry that she was not bluffing. Good. Beast Boy and the bay were good acquaintances, and not because of his occasional recreational swimming.
"Second of all, that is just stupid. I am pretty sure I can die in peace never getting drunk. I have no need to lower my inhibitions and forget my own name by the end of the night".
In his defense he replied, "Okay maybe everyone doesn't need to get trashed, but a social drink here and there is all in good taste. It helped you get in the social mood and forget what's going on day to day. Besides, you need it". Beast Boy winced immediately after her heard what he just said out loud.
Raven sat upright and stared him down, "And what is that supposed to mean?".
"That came out wrong I swear! I mean you need it so you can just relax. To get the pressure off from everyday life. You are doing all this to get to know everyone better right? I know that is going to be stressful beyond repair for you, so maybe a drink could help you be less worried. Even beyond party related, our lives are a constant gamble Rae. We put our lives on the line every day, live a little".
She saw his face and saw the sincereness in his facial expressions and voice. He really did mean that by telling her to calm her nerves. She didn't think she needed alcohol per say in order to make her comfortable with hanging out with people she already has known for years, but she knew all under one roof might be a challenge.
"God Rae, if anyone would have overheard our conversation, they would think we were a part of a really bad after school special and ship me to AA".
Garfield swore that the Earth stood still at that very moment. Raven gave a genuine smile and giggled at hisjoke.
Beast Boy was in beyond and utter shock.
"You got to be kidding me. Years of my best work, and you laugh at the one about me secretly needing a sponsor?". There it was again, not a giggle, but that smile.
"Hey when you have your moments, I guess you have your moments". She glanced back at him and noticed him just staring at her with an ecstatic smile on his face. "Why are you looking at me life that".
"Rae I don't think I have ever made you laugh since the first time we all met, you know unless I got hurt or someone else made a joke about me".
"Well don't get used to it, you just used your lifeline".
He couldn't help but give a small smirk at her joke. She really is funny, and she barely even tries!
His body and face where still facing her and it was making her nervous.
"Why are you still looking at me like that". She was able to feel the wafts of affection from him, poor guy really didn't get much appreciation in the jokes department.
"I'm just trying to savor the moment. Raven laughed at MY joke…".
Garfield usually spoke on demand, with not much care on what he said. He tried his best to watch what he said in front of Raven however, with all of her empty threats, that sometimes were not so empty. But he really didn't expect her to laugh, nor did he not think that it was the most addicting sound he has ever heard.
However, he really did not try to say, "with the most beautiful laugh and smile".
Garfield was able to feel his blush and saw her look surprised and took her attention to the open ocean. Beast Boy closed his eyes for impact, he was sure he was going to be literally swimming with the fishes any second now.
But nothing.
He glanced over to her and she was just somberly looking at the waves crashing against their shore. It really was a beautiful day. He just wasn't sure what or who was the reason for it.
"I didn't mean to say that I swear!...it just came out I promise. I don't mean nothing by it or anything, please ig –".
"Garfield, stop talking. It is okay, I know you did not mean to say that. You have heard me laugh before, but like you said it was never for one of your childish jokes, so it caught you off guard, settle down. I know you didn't mean it".
Garfield was looking at Raven again but not with the smile he had just a moment ago, he was observing her. He might not have been an empath but living with the Doom Patrol and having his animalistic instincts made him pretty good at noticing the small expressions and body language.
Should he tell her that he meant it? He just wasn't meaning to tell her exactly? Why did she react that way? Did she think that I said it as a joke? Or worse, did she think she had an ugly laugh?
"It caught me by surprise, but Raven I did mean –"
"Hey guys, lunch is ready. BB I even made you a vegetarian one, it won't be as good as mine of course but you know its there".
They both did not notice how they got closer as the conversation went by. Oh, did Cyborg have just perfect timing.
Raven promptly stood up and walked towards Cyborg, "We are done cleaning, thank you for coming up and letting us know". She promptly went downstairs without a glance back.
"No problem girl, BB you coming or what? Or should I feed it to the seagulls?".
Beast Boy took a slow inhale, not sure to be thankful for the interruption or livid, he still had to decide.
"Thanks Cy, I will be down in a sec quick, I just have to adjust something".
"Okay see you downstairs", and Cyborg followed Raven back to the common room.
Beast Boy slumped on the couch trying to detangle all the thoughts on his mind.
It was a beautiful day. Really, really beautiful.
Here is the promised update! Hope you guys picked up on the Travis Moore comic reference. My work is kicking my ass, but I will be done with most by Wednesday!. I will hope to have the next update on next Thursday :)
Appreciate all the reviews, stay safe!