A/N:I am back! I went back home from school for a week and had a lot of work to catch up on. This is the longest chapter I have written so far in order to accommodate the short hiatus. I got a decent amount of new followers/favorites (at least imo as a noob lol), so welcome to the story! Hope you all enjoy!

"Beast Boy what did you just tell me?", asked a now furious Cyborg. "Just to get things straight, you are telling me that Garth, aka the same guy that has so much etiquette he told Bee thank you for letting him power wash the outside of their tower, is on a sleazy scheme with Speedy to pick up girls? The same guy that even bows when he greets someone? You're telling me that he is taking advantage of Raven? Our Raven?". Cyborg's mannerisms and arm flails suggested he was confused, shocked and enraged all at once.

Perfect.

"Karen told me herself! Dude, I didn't believe it either…but the story adds up! Just look at them right now!".

They both glanced over, and it appeared that Aqualad was whispering something into Raven's ear which earned him a small chuckle and a blushing dance partner.

"Hold up, before I turn him into fish-fry, are you sure you're not making this up because you're jealous he is dancing with Raven?", Cyborg asked suggestively. Cyborg was his best friend, he knew Beast Boy arguable the best out of anyone in the Tower. What type of best friend would not have noticed the little hints of his infatuation towards the empath throughout the years? The whole Beast episode solidified his hunch as well.

Garfield did not expect that retort but quickly put himself together.

Even if what Cyborg was suggesting was true, he really was telling the truth, what they were doing was creepy.

"Not cool bro, I wouldn't joke about something like that. Even if that was true, which it is not by the way", Garfield reassured, 'I don't think it is fair for our teammate, our friend, your sister, to be in the likes of them".

"Damn straight", Cyborg replied back with a large inhale. "Okay, any ideas?".

Beast Boy didn't think that far ahead as he did most of the time, but all he knew was that he needed to get Garth away from Raven. He himself couldn't cut in, Raven already suggested he was jealous with Roy. She knew the competitive nature he had with Garth, even though nothing was ever like this.

"Okay, how about you distract him? Tell him that there is something wrong with our pool or something and if he can fix it".

"What's wrong with our pool?", asked Cyborg.

"I don't know! Make something up or break something real quick, drain it if you have to".

"Okay sounds good. Let me be right back, I'll go to the grid to start draining, stay right here".

"Got it", Beast Boy was proud of himself with his quick thinking, but the moment quickly disappeared as fast as the idea came to him.

When Cyborg left, Garfield was left by himself and looked back at the dancing pair.

If one was not aware of the current situation, one would think that they were having a good time.

Raven seemed less frigid than when she first walked to the dance floor. She was grinning while talking to Aqualad. There was too much noise to really overhear what they were saying, but he did not have to in order to see she was enjoying herself. He started rethinking about getting Cyborg involved.

Like yeah, what he did with Speedy was not cool, but I doubt he would pull anything too bad with everyone here, especially with Raven. Everyone knew she didn't play games in any fashion.

While having doubt, he looked again and noticed Aqualad pull Raven closer to him. Aside from the jealousy that he was previously denying, Garfield could not help but feel guilt while watching the pair.

Raven was a mysterious, alluring and overall beautiful woman. Garth has been featured as the front cover on so many magazines that they even wondered when he had the time to go to some of those places.

They made an attractive couple, something that Garfield doubted they would be if it was him instead. He wasn't worthy of her. Before finding about this scheme, Garfield always thought of Aqualad as an overall cool dude. He kept a low profile but was always courteous. Sure, they had an unspoken rivalry when it came to their work, but it was all in good fun. He didn't think it would lead to this. He especially did not expect to see Garth lower his hand to her backside…and her gripping his arm closer while dancing.

Lost in thought, he did not realize Cyborg was back.

"Alright B, I will go over to them and politely cut in. When I pull him away, inform Raven what's going on". Cyborg took a look towards the sight that led Garfield to fist his knuckles so tight they became white and followed with a low growl that was hard to distinguish if it was animalistic or him being angry. It could have easily been a mixture of both.

"Is he doing what I think he is doing?!", Cyborg snapped Beast Boy back to their plan. "Oh, hell nah, not in my roof nor anywhere!", Cyborg began stomping his way towards the oblivious pair where Beast Boy followed right behind picking up his composure.

Cyborg tapped on Garth's shoulder, some might consider roughly, but Garth had proper footing, so he appeared unphased. "Hey Aqualad, there is something wrong with our pool and I tried fixing it but no luck, can you come with me to go fix it?", Cyborg muttered the best he could.

Garth looked at Raven and back to Cyborg, "What exactly is wrong with it?" he asked politely.

Typical.

"If I knew, I would not be interrupting…whatever you are doing", Cyborg whispered the latter through his teeth. "C'mon, I am sure Raven will not mind me taking you for a bit, it will not take long".

Raven pulled herself off him and had to take a step back to regain her balance. She waved Aqualad off, "Go on, I am sure Cy needs help. He never asks anyone for help… I am sure it is serious business", she flashed a smile towards Cyborg. Garfield raised an eyebrow at the nickname but was relieved she was not hesitating.

Aqualad looked at her and sighed, "Fine I will go help. Raven, wait for me I will be right back".

"Don't worry, she will be safe with me", Garfield put his arm around Raven where he felt her shift some of her weight towards him.

Something wasn't right.

Cyborg put his arm around Garth and led him back to the "emptying" pool.

As soon as they were out of sight, Garfield took a good look at Raven. She appeared to be physically fine, but something was off. He began to smell around her face.

I did not see him give her anything suspicious, I would have been able to smell it out if any of them gave her anything.

Raven walked somewhat begrudgingly to the dance area. She always thought Aqualad was handsome.

Who didn't?

He was always regarded as a gentleman. Just like how he helped her out with Roy back there. He probably knew how Speedy was and how Raven was not into that sort of thing, she should thank him again.

Dancing was dreadful to Raven.

Dancing with Garth though? It was palpable.

Before tonight they always exchanged a limited few sentences between one another, usually out of courtesy or team related.

Turned out, he was not so bad.

"…so there I was having to come up with a story to support Mas and Menos's story that the marks on their necks were hickies instead of marks that I have told some octopus to give them".

Raven gave a small laugh, "Now why would you do that? Why would they want to make it seem it was hickies?".

"Well as you have met Roy, he is pretty pretentious. They just turned 16 and he was bugging them about never being kissed, so they asked me for the favor". Raven was interested in the story, but felt her feet tripping over themselves. She started to get into the rhythm midway through the second song, but for whatever reason she felt like she was losing some balance as time went by. She started to grip herself on Garth a bit more to adjust herself.

"I felt bad for them, I really did. So, I went through with it and Roy never bothered them about the subject again". He noticed Raven was using him for support, so he brought her in closer. He whispered to her ear, "Are you alright? Don't worry, you can use me for support you're safe with me". He began lowering his hand on her backside and she surprisingly was not resisting, but she did not have much time to think since she saw a tall mechanical man cutting in between them.

When Aqualad and Cyborg left, she found herself stumbling a bit still and she was giggling? Before she could reassess herself, she was caught off guard finding Gar so near smelling her.

She got back to her senses for a minute and was able to shove him away.

"What do you think you are doing? Get off me!".

She straightened herself out and fixed her dress but felt her knees weaken and almost fell. When she looked up, she saw Garfield put his arm around to support her from falling, filled with a face full of concern and worry.

She could not help but ask with a giggle, "What? Do I have something on my face or something?". She said that as a defensive mechanism, but she was concerned too.

What is happening to me?

She went from giggling to abrasive, back to giggling again.

I feel hot inside…and why did I just say it like that?

Garfield began leading them inside, "Raven, I think you are buzzed. You don't look drunk yet and it might hit you a bit more later, but let's go inside and get you some water.

Raven's mouth and body were betraying her thoughts. She stopped them right there and instead put her arms around Garfield's neck.

"Can we just stay for this one song? I love this song!", she pleadingly exclaimed.

Garfield knew he had to get her some water and have her sit, but when he looked at her, she looked so happy? Maybe the alcohol gave her emotions a type of outlet.

Raven wouldn't want this. She would tell me to take her to room and tell everyone to leave her alone.

She appeared to pick up on his hesitation and dragged him back to the dance floor. She pouted, "After this one song I promise!".

"...After this song, we can do whatever you want", she whispered to him seductively with a following wink.

One dance could not be so bad right?

He gave in.

Besides, Raven would also appreciate not causing a scene anyways, so this one song will do.

To his surprise, it was Often by the Weeknd.

She said she liked this song? I always assumed her music was much…well darker?

He wasn't complaining, he liked the song too.

He liked more however, the way how close she was moving with him. She had her arms around his neck still and had her head tucked on his shoulder. His arms were around her waist and held her close to match with her rhythm.

She pulled away just enough to look at him.

When their eyes met, nothing was said yet there were unspoken sentiments exchanged.

They continued dancing but never breaking away from each other's gaze. When the song finished, Garfield hesitated to pull himself away.

"Okay song is over, let's go inside", he firmly grabbed her wrist and led her inside.

Raven kept quiet, a lot of thoughts racing in her mind and followed his lead.

He noticed some trailing eyes from people around the dance floor about what happened, but he didn't care about that right now. He can deal with damage control later.

He was going to take her to his room and give her some water and wait it out a bit. She wasn't wasted, but who knows how demons process alcohol? Better safe than sorry, especially since she wasn't acting her usual self.

When they reached the hallway to their rooms and turned the corner to his room, she stopped midway and giggled once again.

"Oh Gar, one sensual dance and you already plan to take me to bed? At least buy me dinner first".

He gave her a small chuckle accompanied with an eyeroll. "C'mon Rae, were almost there". They got to his door and he opened it and led her to sit on the bottom of his bunk bed. "Okay, stay right there. My bathroom is to the left if you need it. I will bring you some water but stay right there".

Raved crossed her arms and huffed, "Now you're going to leave me alone here? I would much rather go back to dancing", she finished suggestively.

He wasn't going to fall for her bait this time, "I mean it Rae, stay right there. I will be back soon".

He left to go retrieve some water and she began to look around the room. It was cleaner than when they were younger. It was not on the level per say of her or Robin's room, but no left-over food or empty soda cans. There was less figurines out and his cartoon posters were replaced ones emulating nature. He even had different species of plants on each side of the room to match with their respective posters. He still kept his bunk bed, and she always did wonder why he had one in the first place.

He came right back with a water bottle and slice of pizza in hand.

"Here. I brought you some water and food, not sure how much you ate today but this will help things settle down".

She took the offered food and water, but instead of a thanks she asked, "Why do you have a bunk bed?"

"You're welcome to you too", he replied with an annoyed look. "Part of my animal nature likes sleeping on higher elevated areas. I have it as an option when it is one of those nights that side of me want the boost. Why you ask?".

Raven was nibbling on the crust of the cold pizza but paused to reply, "You are the only one that had one. I know Cyborg uses that flat bench due to his low flexibility and Starfire uses a round mattress because it is similar to what they use in Tamaran, so I was curious why you used this. I thought you had this for sleep overs or something".

"Ha, ha Rae. I mean someone could sleep over here, but that would be an entirely different issue with my animals from there. So yeah, there is a reasoning for this childish thing. Kind of outgrowing it, literally and physically".

Raven began to feel a bit better and less disoriented and managed to sit and eat. "If you use it for your animal instincts keep it, who cares?".

"I care. Even though I do use it for that reason, I don't know", he rubbed the back of his neck, "I kinda have been changing my surroundings in this room, and this is the only thing that hasn't changed. I think I will get a full or queen or something… but with an adjustable frame or something to kind of give me that balance".

Raven finished her slice and began working on her water. "As long as you do what is best for you, that is what matters. Your room does look pretty nice though. The plants, walls and pictures really make you feel like you're somewhere else. Are your powers changing which is why you are adapting so much?".

He laughed at his upcoming joke, "I regret to inform you that I can't fly in my human form, but I guess you can say that. I am able to sense things better than before. It is cool, but it is taking a bit to adjust I admit. So many things sometimes flood my senses, I am sure you know how that is".

Raven gave him a smile, being an empath for sure had its drawbacks, "Yeah, you can say that".

"Yeah, so with all that, it gets hard you know? I have to make some changes in my life and my room was one of the first things I had to change. I had to keep smells to a minimum here, make sure to sleep in a position to fend off an intruder entering my room… even though that would never happen here at the tower, fight back on my alpha senses when the guys are around, try to not concentrate on my urges around you…", and he stopped right there hoping she did not hear that part.

His quick change of flushed color however was hard to ignore, and for sure reassured her that she did hear what he said.

There was a short silence between them

Maybe she didn't hear that…Maybe if I have any luck she is too buzzed to even have noticed what I said.

Little did he know, with the water and food her healing powers began to kick in and slowly began to sober her up.

"Since when?", she asked in a lower timid voice.

"Since when what?", he replied back not meeting her face.

"That you started having feelings for me?".

Well, she obviously did hear. I mean what does it matter? I kissed her already and basically told her already that I was interested in her, nothing else to lose anyways.

"Heh…", Garfield began fidgeting his hands on his lap.

Where do I even begin?

"Well, I always thought you were attractive. Thought so the day I met you… In the beginning you were really reserved and didn't like to be around us much. I was concerned about you and wanted to know more about you. You shut us out, and I feel like you wanted nothing to do with me especially…".

Raven was about to interrupt but Gar raised a finger to let him continue.

"Well with that whole episode of me and Cy going in your room, I found out that wasn't the case. I don't know…after that I felt even more interested in you, especially knowing you didn't hate me. Hell, I actually thought you had feelings for me given how you always were dramatic and annoyed with me".

"I was not dramatic, but yes annoyed. Why would you think I had feelings for you if you saw how irritated I was with you?", Raven replied soon after, not trying to be as harsh as it sounded.

"Longer story. But to summarize it, when I was younger, like I said, I hated being green. One of the biggest reasons was because I thought no one would ever be interested in a green freak like me. I had a crush on this one girl that was a family friend of Rita and Steve. When she found out, she became rude towards me. I was heartbroken about it. Rita told me that girls liked playing hard to get and sometimes were mean to show interest. Growing up I realized she said that to just spare my self-esteem at the time, but I guess the thought process lingered a bit".

Raven understood, Rita told him that to spare his feelings and to not already lower his deprecating self-image. She felt horrible that Garfield thought that mistreatment equated attraction.

"Anyways, I realized you didn't feel the same, so I became realistic, I began to look around. There was Terra of course, how can anyone here forget her or how that ended…I did like her. A lot. I even thought for a second that I loved her…before I could ever find out she betrayed us. When I saw her back at that school, I had that rush again. But as quick as it came, it left when I realized that it would never work out. Which in general, I should be used to. After that, I was able to finally move on from her. There has been flings here and there, but nothing ever run deep for a reason or another…but you have always been constant".

"Why me? I have only been nasty to you growing up…and I still have not been so social. We are better friends now, but you have dated around...you even admit you might have loved Terra…so why do you still like me after all this time with nothing to show for it when you have had experience with others?".

To her surprise, he gave a low chuckle, "I got a better question, how couldn't I? You are…"

"…Antisocial, blunt, monotone, pale and creepy. Plus because of my skin, people have said I look sickly", Raven finished his sentence.

"First of all, at least your skin does not remind anyone of mold. Anyways, I was going to say intelligent, caring, selfless, sassy, brave, wise, and gorgeous".

Raven only looked at him with amusement, and once again even laughed at his statements.

"Right…you just described me as caring and gorgeous in the same sentence, think you got me confused with Star".

Garfield began to sit more upright and shifted his body to face and lean into Raven slightly to show his seriousness.

"Yes, Star is beautiful and caring, but you are too. You are just more subtle about your compassion, but you and I know that it is very much there. Let's not pretend how you helped back in the hospital with the kids… As for your beauty, Raven I really have not seen someone so alluring as you. I mean c'mon! Give yourself some more credit here. I have had a crush on you for years and here I pried you off of two Titans just because you decided to show some shoulder tonight!

Oh no.

"What do you mean pried off?", Raven asked suspiciously.

Garfield should have remembered Raven was not going to overlook that small detail.

Noticing his unease she replied, "…There was nothing wrong with the pool was there?".

Garfield exclaimed, "Yes there was!...The reason maybe, just MAYBE was because Cyborg did it himself", he ended with a small grumble.

Now even more confused, Raven asked, "So, Cyborg was in on this too?".

Garfield hid his face behind his hands, not sure when Raven will begin to show her fury.

He peeked between a finger to surprisingly not see her mad.

Sure, she was having a good time with Garth, but she also found herself to be having a better time dancing with Gar…

Wait what? She thought to herself.

"Did you get rid of Speedy too? Because if you did, I will thank you for that".

"Nah, that actually was Aqualad, but maybe not in the good-natured way we always thought he was".

Raven was curious, Aqualad was always polite and kind, she wondered if he was being serious or just out of jealousy. The look on his face told her that he was being serious.

He continued, "Before you even start with me being jealous or whatever, I just want to say this is from Bee herself. Anyways, Speedy and Aqualad hit on girls together. If they don't like Roy, chances are they will like Garth".

Raven was shocked to find this out, but in a way, it made sense. She would have much rather talk and hangout with Garth than Roy, and they were total opposites, with apparently a common factor of being pretty boys and players.

"So, you saw they were using that tactic on me?", Raven asked curiously.

"When Bee told me, I knew I had to get you out of there. She said they never do this around other Titans and when they were doing it with you, I couldn't stand there and watch".

Raven quickly retorted with, "Because you were being a good friend, or because you didn't like seeing me with him?".

His eyes widened in shock, shouldn't she be thanking him instead of playing 21 questions? She wasn't wrong with either statement though.

He sighed and gave up the act, "Fine…both. I still would have done or said something if it was anyone else though, you know that".

She knew that statement to be true, "You are right, you would have done it for anyone..".

"…but with you it was personal".

He could have stopped right and there, but so much has happened in such a small amount of time, he decided to lay out all the cards on the table.

"Aqualad could have asked you to dance at any moment, regardless of the whole thing he has going on with Roy, I know you would have said yes either way... I don't blame you or anything, it is your choice and your right to do anything you want. How could I blame you? The guy has been on every magazine across the world! Before today, we always saw him as the poster boy of proper, like I said I wouldn't blame ya…".

Raven was going to interrupt but allowed him to continue.

"When I saw you dancing with him, my first instinct as you may have expected was jealousy, but not probably in the first thought you would have. I was jealous he was dancing with you, but I was more jealous of what you two could be… The way you both looked together…you two would give Rob and Star a run for their money. Plus, when I saw you laugh, that is what sealed the deal to me. There was no chance for me.".

Raven was able to feel the hurt and shame wafting off of him, his ears drooped midway of his confession. She was aware of his image issues but did not know until tonight the extent they reached. It was so much so, that he thought he was not worthy of her just because of how he looked.

That he Garfield, the kind, good natured, generous, compassionate and what she soon realized, also handsome Gar felt he was not worth of her just because he had strange ears and was green. That this wonderful person felt he was not good enough for a demon…now he left her even more confused.

He continued, "But when we were dancing, even though I know you were feeling a little tipsy, I felt something there, and this time not just a one-sided thing. You were looking at me in a different way than what you were with Aqualad. The same way that Starfire looks at Robin, the same way that Harold was looking at Karen, the same way I look at you…".

She didn't know what to say. Even though her powers allowed her to slowly sober up, she was at a loss for words.

She knew already that he saw her more than just a friend. He has made that abundantly clear before today. But did she? Even though she was a bit inebriated, she felt lax with him. She felt a blast of physical attraction to him while dancing, something that still did not leave the corner of her thoughts since he sat next to her.

…did she feel something too?

If you asked her last month, the answer would have been a crystal-clear no.

Last week? The answer would be a bit hazy but still a no.

Now? She could not distinguish between right or left.

The tension was so thick, you could cut it with a knife.

They were both leaning towards one another… a mere few inches separating their heads.

Garfield looked into Raven's eyes, trying to predict her next move, while Raven looked at Gar with interest, hesitation, and desperation.

When the silence kept dragging on, one finally broke the silence.

"If we are going to kiss, you have to make the first move".

Raven did not move from her spot but moved her gaze upwards towards the speaker's eyes.

She meekly whispered, "…What?".

"You kissed me first and claimed it to mean nothing. I then kissed you, and it meant something to me. If we are going to kiss again, you have to do it and it has to mean something to you this time. Again, only if you want to".

She stared at him briefly for a second.

Was she going to kiss Gar? Garfield? Beast Boy?

There was no going back if she proceeded…

Hell, there was no going back anyways, ever since she kissed him that one day.

Ever since he kissed her that same night.

How was she in his bunkbed, flushed with nerves, and feeling vulnerable under his gaze? They were teammates, roommates, friends. That's it. So why was she closing the gap between them?

She was slightly shaking while easing her way to meet the smirk on his face. She was fighting an internal battle, while he was sitting there, just waiting for her to accept what was bound to eventually happen.

They were teammates, roommates, friends, but that's not all what they were.

They were something more than that, and when Raven's lips finally reached her destination, she knew that something was real.

He met her advancement with a more eager response. He embraced her into his arms without separating their lips.

This kiss was not a casual kiss. This kiss was not a heat of the moment thing. This kiss was laced with gentleness, familiarity, warmth and relief. When they finally broke apart to get some air, Garfield cupped Raven's face, "It has been you Rae… it always will be you Raven".

Raven was taking everything in, but there was no denying it, she cared about Garfield in a way where just friends was an insult. She was not sure what love was, but she knew that this moment was the closest she has ever gotten.

She now was able to distinguish what was emanating from within him after all these years.

She exchanged no words but felt all around his facial features as if she lost her sight and she was trying to figure out the face of who was in front of her. This was the person that made her feel this way. She wanted to take in every detail about him. One hand smoothed his eyebrows, tracing it down to his soft cheek, while the other was feeling one ear, who gave a light twitch in response, back to his lips.

She looked at him once again and their eyes met, but this time nothing had to be said. Raven laced her fingers into his hair and pulled him towards her. This kiss was much more passionate than the last and expressed more than other words could possibly convey. The act was mutual on both sides.

In between kisses, he gave smirked, "…so about that dinner…you interested?".

So that is the conclusion of Part I out of III! Part I is to outline how BBRae came to be for the context of the future part of the story.

Part II, which I have nothing written out as of yet, will be a collection of one-shots that are in chronological order, but not necessarily connected to one another. I have 3 chapters outlined for this part, but it will be shorter than part I, probably about 5 chapters. Part II will end towards where the "Introduction", chapter takes place.

Part III is a work in progress but has about 15K+ written already, but I have to has out a lot of details and chapters in between.

i apologize for future hiatuses, I know there will be one in two week till mid-April because I will be going home again, but I hope to have those three outlined chapters done by then!

Hope you have enjoyed my first story so far, and fave/review if you have the time! I greatly appreciate it :)