Everyone began to gather around and give their best wishes to the birthday boy and the alcohol began flowing.
While everyone started getting distracted, Beast Boy took advantage of the situation and stood next to Raven and whispered in your ear, "Hey Rae, you okay? I know we talked about this, but your first drink doesn't have to be a shot. People won't pressure you".
She looked at him with her usual stoic manner but was able to give back a small smile. "Don't worry Gar, I did all the best practices before, such as eating and getting enough sleep. One shot won't do much damage, and if it does, well it will be one party to remember".
Garfield laughed at her joke, but he was still concerned. His smile was short-lived when he saw Speedy come up with two clear shots.
"Hey, I am not sure what your pick of poison is, but I got us some tequila to chase with lime and salt. I feel like that is always everyone's safe choice".
Raven accepted the lime wedge and shot glass, "Thank you Speedy, I actually do not have a preference".
"Please, call me Roy", he gave her another smile. Roy was attractive and somewhat of a playboy. It did not matter much to Raven, she was not interested no matter what tricks he stored in his bows. "No preference huh? A girl of my own heart…".
"Actually, it's because she doesn't drink", Garfield cut in as he took a shot, lime and salt shaker from a tray that Cyborg was walking around with.
Raven stood in and gave a concerned look at Gar. She then looked at Roy and added, "I have never drunk before, so that is why I don't have a preference. Alcohol is alcohol, what difference is there?".
"Trust me, there is a difference. There might be no naturally sweet tasting liquor, but you for sure will be able to tell the difference between a cheap and more distilled vodka. Since you are a beginner, this is a good choice because of the lime".
Raven then glanced down to the lime and salt.
How complicated can it be, the order does not matter…right?
As if he was able to read her mind, Garfield explained to her, "Okay so you lick the back of your hand and put salt on it", he grabbed her free hand and traced his finger to the back of it, "and then you take the shot. Finally, you take the lime".
Raven was going to retort with a snarky comment about, but she knew he was only trying to help and make her not look like a fool in front of everyone. She managed to tell him, "Thanks Gar, that helps".
"Alright everyone, to the birthday boy!", bellowed Cyborg.
In unison everyone exclaimed, "Happy Birthday Wally!".
Everyone proceeded to take their chosen drink, Garfield and Roy had their attention on Raven to see if she would have a reaction.
Raven thought the taste of the liquor was downright disgusting, but she found that the extra two-steps did make it more manageable.
It wasn't too bad.
"How do you feel Raven?", asked a concerned Garfield.
Roy made sure to get nearer to Raven and put his arm around her, "Not too bad right?".
Unfamiliar with the sudden contact, she couldn't help but manage to slightly jump. "Yeah, not too bad. I would not say I prefer it over my tea, but I can see the appeal.
Roy gave Raven a sly smile, "Should I get us some more?".
Raven did not want to say no, but she knew she had to pace herself. That was like rule #1 from most of the websites she looked up prior to the party. She was not sure where he was going from this, but not too curious on finding out.
"Oh, I am fine for right now, Roy. Actually, I have to…"
"…go to the roof! Yeah. Rae and I have to go to the roof to check something out that we set up yesterday. So, if you don't mind us…", Garfield took a step out and looked to Raven to follow, who looked at him confused but figured she can just ask questions later. Before they could leave, Roy touched Raven's shoulder, "See you around okay?", and gave her another wink. She just politely forced a smile and waved to him.
When they got to the roof, Raven looked at Beast Boy and curiously asked him, "What is it that we are checking on here exactly?".
Beast Boy looked around to see who else was up here. Cyborg, Hot Spot, Argent, Thunder and Lightning were here and appeared to just be mingling while some played beer pong.
Okay not so bad…
"Hello, Gar?"
With the sound of his real name he snapped back to place, "Huh?...Oh sorry yeah. I am sure you didn't want to be around Speedy any longer. If anything, a thank you would be in order".
Raven did not expect that sort of response. "Excuse me? Did I not say that this whole point of my social experiment is to go around and get to know everyone better?".
"Yeah, and I don't think you wanted to have Speedy as your only test subject, let alone have him use you for one of his own.".
Raven was an empath, she was able to feel the waves of lust from Roy, but she did not want to tell the first person to approach her off so early in the night.
Also, it was not his fault that she was able to sense that before he managed a word. A guy flirting with Raven was not as bad as Garfield was making it to be, why was he making such a big deal out of this?
"What is that supposed to mean? Also, why do you care, Garfield? A guy can flirt with me you know, that doesn't mean you have to step in and save me".
He was surprised at her response.
Why does he care? Is she being serious right now? Did they not have that talk just a week back, did she forget so quickly? How could he continue this without seeming sappy?
"As I recall, you were coming up with an excuse to leave him, I just made one up for you. Were you not trying to end that conversation?".
He was right, she did have enough of Roy.
She sighed and returned to face Gar with a more appreciative look, "Okay you got me, thanks. He wasn't too bad, it's not like he called me any obscenities nor grope me", she shrugged. "Harmless flirting".
Garfield's chest felt a bit tighter, "Yeah well, he still touched you without your permission".
Raven nodded, "You are right, but again I did not feel he meant anything bad by it. People do know I like to be alone and with that, they do not see me often, so when they see me I am sure they would momentarily forget that they are not interacting with a normal person. I am not going to hurt him because he touched my shoulder".
"Hey, you've used your powers on me for less!".
She gave a small smile, "Yeah, but it is because you are fishing for it. Besides, I think subconsciously you want me to hurt you". She eyed him with a suspicious playful look.
He rubbed the back of his neck nervous, but then proceeded with an eyeroll, "Sure Rae, a part of my weekly agenda is to get threatened by you or for you to actually go along with these threats, totally makes my week".
She laughed.
A small laugh, but nonetheless, she laughed. He could not have had a bigger smile on if he tried.
"Oh, don't use my laugh for your ego, I was just remembering that one time I sent you to another dimension and how you did not bother me for at least 3 days".
He didn't care what she would reply back with, she laughed at his joke, even if it was not so much of a joke but a true story, but nonetheless laughed. He couldn't help what he said next.
"You have a beautiful laugh you know".
Raven did not expect that, nor did she expect the various emotions he was putting on display. She has noted over the years that Garfield wore his heart on his sleeve, but as a choice. When he was upset, he was able to hide them. Of course, she was able to connect the dots for when those moments were. She later learned that it was a practice Mento showed him how to in special cases. It was no easy feat to accomplish this, but he was able to when he wanted to. He was being very open about what he was willing to share with her right now.
Affection, adoration, and relief. Yet, she was able to sense anxiety and fear laced in between.
Raven felt warm all over and avoided his glance at first, not sure what to say.
"…and you look beautiful tonight. You look beautiful every day, but tonight you look exceptionally beautiful".
Yet, no verbal response from Raven, but her mind and heart were racing against themselves.
Beautiful? Did Garfield, Beast Boy, call me beautiful? No boy has ever called me beautiful before, except…
she then remembered old, healed wounds. The last "person" to call her beautiful also just used her, but this was Beast Boy. The most caring and genuine person she knew. He flirted all the time sure, he did that almost as much as Wally did, but the emotions that were radiating off of him, even the tone of his voice, was different than all the previous times.
"Thank you, Gar, that is very kind of you to say, but –", before she could finish that thought, Jinx came in and greeted Raven.
"Was I seeing things, or did you drink earlier?", Jinx put her arm around Raven, something that she never did but Raven didn't appear to be as affected compared to when Speedy did it.
"It's not such a big deal you know", Raven monotonously replied. "One drink won't be the death of me".
"You're right, that's why I brought you another one", Jinx passed Raven a half-filled red solo cup. It was a pinkish color, she didn't know of any alcohol that was pink.
"It's jungle juice, taste some, Wally just made it. It has fresh berries, passionfruit pulp, punch…".
Raven took a small sip.
Hmm I do not remember reading up on this drink, I barely can taste any alcohol.
So, motivated by the non-acrid taste, Raven gulped the rest down.
"…and a shit load of clear alcohol".
Jinx and Beast Boy looked at Raven wide eyed.
"Uhh…you were not supposed to drink it all at once", whispered a surprised Jinx.
Garfield remembered Raven mentioning demons being able to handle their liquor, but this girl just pounded a half-cup of mystery alcohol brew within 30 minutes of taking her first shot. He really hoped that they were immune to the effects.
"Yeah Rae…you are supposed to sip it as you go. That type of stuff sneaks up to ya", Beast Boy began running his fingers in his hair in worry.
"I don't know what you're talking about, I tasted nothing, and I feel fine. I will just wait awhile to drink anything more". She saw the look of concern on both of their faces, "…like I said I am fine!", she said more adamantly.
Jinx gave a small laugh, "Okay, but as of now you are cut off until we at least cut the cake. I know it doesn't taste bad, but Wally is known to make deadly stuff. Don't underestimate it".
Speaking of the devil, the red-haired birthday boy appeared right next to Jinx's side and held her waist.
"Couldn't help but hear my name", he glanced at the now empty red cup Raven was holding. "Oh, you had some? How was it? Be careful now, my stuff has taken out Wildebeest before", he ended with a wink.
Raven gave an eyeroll and huffed, tired of everyone thinking that she was doomed for taking a lousy drink. As if it couldn't have been worse, Speedy came right behind and also put a hand to Raven's waist to ease himself to this social circle. He also looked down and saw she already had a cup.
"Oh wow, maybe I came too late", Roy laughed off, "well either way, looks like you're out. I brought you a cup thinking you'd want some. Wally's stuff is legendary".
Raven had enough hearing about this God forsaken drink. She peered to look at his offered cup and it was almost full.
Garfield has been patient, until he saw that full cup.
He wasn't close to Roy, but he never thought of him as sleazy. He knew how strong those drinks are and that Raven had no experience drinking.
He was not sure what his intentions were, but he wasn't going to find out.
Thankfully, Jinx cut it before Garfield said or did something he would regret.
"Actually, she just had some so…".
Now Garfield cut in, "…so I'll take it, thanks Roy". He got the cup from Speedy and began drinking it slowly while not breaking eye contact with him.
Garfield was able to taste all the sugar, but his heightened smell and abilities was still able detect all the lingering alcohol.
Man, that shit is strong.
Roy looked as if he was going snap back at Beast Boy, and oh, was Beast Boy ready for it, until someone else came in.
Garth stepped in and cut in between Raven and Speedy.
"Hey Roy, I think Mas and Menos wanted your help with something down there. Something to do with the right way of how to play Twister?".
Roy snickered and replied with, "Is Starfire there? Figures, they want someone to corroborate their rules. Excuse me everyone", and he left with a wink towards Raven.
As soon as he was gone, Aqualad turned to Raven and lightly put his hand on her shoulder, "Sorry about Roy, he can be a handful. I am sure he will be confused when Mas and Menos are actually playing Jenga with Kole", he flashed her a smile. "I apologize for whatever he probably did".
Raven did not appear to be put off by his hand on her shoulder, which was still there.
"It is okay, thanks though", Raven managed to reply.
Is she blushing?! Garfield couldn't help but notice.
"I don't see you out during these things too often…but it is nice seeing you out here. You also look stunning by the way".
Raven did not know how to react, other than to mutter a shy, "Thank you," and found her hand playing with the hem of her dress, she wasn't sure what came over her.
Garfield felt as if there were a hundred of fire ants crawling throughout his skin. He had to keep his cool.
He liked Aqualad. He liked Garth. Garth was nice. Garth is his friend.
A new song came on, and Wally looked at Jinx and said, "Hey you love this song, c'mon, lets dance". With that Jinx and Wally went to the center to dance among the other Titans.
Garth looked at Raven said, "I enjoy this song too, would you share a dance with me as well?".
Okay that's it, Garth was not his friend.
"I don't know how, I never really have before", Raven timidly replied while looking at the floor.
Garth gave her another signature grin and raised her chin to look at him, "Don't worry, I can show you", and grabbed Raven's hand and walked her to where everyone was dancing.
To her surprise, she was not as hesitant as she would expect herself to be.
Garfield expected Raven to tug out of his hold and push her off the roof.
He can swim even in that cheap button up, right?
But it never happened. She walked with Garth with no hesitation to the dance floor.
Garfield remained there, stunned.
He thought it was going well, he wasn't sure where to go next in the conversation, but he would never know now.
While lost in thought, he was surprised to feel Bumblebee appear next to him, also facing the direction of the pair.
"I didn't know Raven danced", Karen stated, "Or at least I should mean, willing to dance".
By the looks of how she was moving, or how stiff she appeared, she was serious when she said she didn'tdance.
"Yeah", Garfield sighed. "You learn something new every day". He finally managed to look at Karen, not wanting to miss out on the two on the dance floor. He didn't see Herald around. "…So you and Herald huh? Since when if you don't mind me asking?".
Karen looked at Beast Boy, red cup in hand. "He went to go get me some water, you know how these drinks can creep up on you. No, I don't mind. Mal and I have been talking for a while now, but nothing official till 3 months ago".
Garfield nodded in reply. "Is it hard with him not being in Titans East?". He might be overstepping, he was not too close to Karen, and she was intimidating, but he was genuinely curious.
She raised a brow at him, but nonetheless continued, "You know one of his powers is teleporting right?," she laughed a bit. "Distance is not much of an issue. But, being a Titan, and the leader of Titans East, that I admit does make it hard, but we make it work. We are both understanding of our responsibilities and never take anything personal. We make it work".
As soon as she finished that, Herald came in with her water in tow. He handed her the clear cup and asked, "What are we all looking at?".
Karen gave him a kiss on the cheek of appreciation, "Oh we are looking at fishboy and queen of darkness out on the dancefloor".
Herald scoffed and shook his head, "Wow, I can't believe Raven out of all people bought it".
Garfield's ears raised in alarm. "Excuse me? Bought what?".
Karen gave Herald a light tap on the chest, "Why do you gotta make me look bad". She ducked her head in a bit from embarrassment. She looked at Garfield and explained, "Okay, just so I make it crystal clear, I do not condone my team's behavior, and they normally are good about this. Never once have they tried doing this with another Titan, well I guess except that time with Argent back in France…"
Garfield was becoming impatient, "Karen, please, I don't want to sound rude but can you get to the point?".
"Right, right. Okay, long story short, Roy and Garth have this method on hitting on girls. Ingenious really, but nonetheless greasy, but it's just flirting. They don't ever cross the line from what I have seen, and I have talked to them about it and how it can give us a bad image", she saw Gar fidgeting and knew she had to speed it up. "Anyways, they have a system. If they both like the same girl, Roy approaches first. He does whatever Roy thinks flirting is. Some girls like his straight forwardness and general frat guy behavior. If they are into that, they likely would not have been a good match for Garth anyways, so Speedy gets to haveher…I am using Roy's words I swear! If they think that Roy is too much of a tool, like I assume Raven would, Roy lets Garth know so he can come in and apologizes for Roy's behavior. He then uses his pretty boy and suave charm, and usually its hook line and sinker".
Garfield was at a loss for words. They were tag teaming to hook up with Raven? What were their intentions? They had to do it among co-workers? Did they have no shame?
He had a lot of questions from this new light, but he knew he had to act fast.
Karen and Herald saw Garfield lost in thought, so Karen ended with, "I know Raven can take care of herself. She can beat the crap out of both of them at the same time. I didn't know what was happening till I saw them up here I swear! I don't think there is anything to worry about though, Garth is honestly nice. His system is sleazy, but I never get complaints from him from girls unlike Speedy. Well, except when some girls are sad when he doesn't call back…".
Herald stepped in to excuse them, "You know what, why don't we go dance too Karen? It isn't every day we have a beautiful clear night like this". Garfield didn't even bother to look back at them.
Call them back after? After what? I have to go tell her right now. What if he lies and she believes him? What if she thinks I am overexaggerating? What if she says I am just being jealous again?
…What if I don't do anything, and he does end up calling her back?
Beast Boy was about to lose it until he heard the very person that can help him solve his, or should he say, Raven's problem.
"Yo B, what are you doing there standing by yourself? You look down right creepy looking at everyone dancing alone, what's up?".
Beast Boy looked up at his best friend, whose timing just happened to be just right this time.
The best friend that also happened to be Raven's protective older brother.
The best friend that would maul anyone willing "to take advantage" of his little sister.
He knew what he had to do.
"Cyborg! Raven needs our help!".
Okay so I lied. Not the last chapter! This is the longest chapter I have posted so far, and still in the process of the next. Next one will for sure be the last chapter for part I. I will also explain the format of part II in the next chapter.
Thank you for reading, and if able, R&R :)
Hope you all have a nice Valentine's day! I am going back to visit family for the week so the next chapter probably won't be posted till like end of February :(
Stay safe and thank you for the positive comments!