SORRY! I didn't mean to take so long to get it out! But I hope you're enjoying it, I might write a sequel if the urge hits me. Or something of the sort. Have a nice day, and review if you like it!
Chapter 4: Raven Talks
(February 11, 2004)Raven opened the door that led to the roof, and looked out at the night sky. It was nearing eleven o'clock, so the sky was pitch black and glittering with tiny diamonds, making everything seem even more beautiful.
"Pretty, isn't it?" A voice asked from her left.
She turned and glared at her masked companion, who had interrupted her solitude. Robin just laughed good-naturedly, moving aside to show that Raven should take her place beside him for their talk.
Raven took a step forward, as if being cautious about how to approach him, then quickly took a step back. "I didn't come up here for you, I came up here to be alone!" She turned to leave, but Robin grabbed her forearm quickly, refusing to let her run.
"Hey." He said kindly, looking into her eyes with sincerity, "I think you need to talk to some one."
Raven shook her arm free, glared at him again, then walked to the edge of the roof. She leaned over the railing and looked down at the unsettled waters below her. It was as if the waters reflected Raven herself, or more specifically: her emotions. "I don't know. It's difficult to explain."
Robin watched her carefully, studying her expressions to better understand her. "You seem angry lately. has Rage gotten loose again?"
Raven sighed and fell to the floor of the roof, burying her face in her hands. "It might as well! It would be better than this!"
Robin's brow furrowed in confusion as he approached her carefully. He sat next to her and rubbed her back, trying to offer support and comfort. "Come on, Raven." He said softly pulling her hair away from her face. "This isn't like you. Tell me what's wrong and we can work it out."
She shook her head and looked up at him sniffing through tears. Robin tried not to shout with surprise, Raven was crying!! This had to be something monumental in order to make someone as strong willed as Raven cry.
"Robin." She began softly. "I know I can trust you, so will you promise to not tell any one?"
"About what? You crying?"
Raven shook her head and took a deep breath. ". My emotions are received one by one, since the day I was born, however I don't have every emotion yet."
Robin looked at her strangely. She wasn't making any sense! What did all of this have to do with her current state? Unless. unless a new emotion was causing her such distress. He leaned forward and listened attentively to his companion.
"As the emotions take longer to appear, the stronger they become." She took a long breath. "I received my second-to-last emotion today. and she said the last one isn't far behind."
Robin stared at her in surprise. "What?"
"She's been controlling most of my actions without me knowing it today. like when I was levitating Beast Boy. I didn't even know it! She's powerful enough to tap into my powers without my consent! She's even powerful enough to communicate to me without the mirror." Raven buried her face in her hands again, feeling more tears or frustration come to her eyes. "I don't know what to do! I'm so frightened! If my last emotion comes."
Robin held her close, trying to comfort her. "Hey, Raven? Calm down. no matter what, we'll always be here for you. Me, Cyborg, Starfire. Beast Boy."
Raven felt color come to her cheeks and she looked at her masked companion strangely. Why was he bringing the little green pest into this? It was his stupid fault in the first place!
"We're here for you." Robin said again.
Raven nodded and laid her head on his shoulder and sighed deeply. "I just. I just feel so helpless." There was a moment of silence. "I hate feeling helpless."
Robin rubbed her back carefully. "Hey, come on. It's going to be all right. You never know, if you obtain your last emotion everything could turn out okay!"
Raven looked up at Robin with skeptical eyes. "Are you forgetting the planet I'm from?"
Robin laughed lightly. "I guess." There was a moment of awkward silence, finally he turned back to the girl in his arms. "Raven? Am I permitted to ask what emotion you have recently received?"
Her cheeks flushed instantly. "Do you promise not to mock me?"
"Promise."
"Jealousy." She turned away. "When I found out about Kijin."
Robin smiled, so there was more to this than he originally expected. "Oh. is that so? That's very interesting."
Raven glared at him. "You say one word of this to anybody, and I swear I'll levitate you so high, it'll take you a month to come back into the atmosphere!"
Robin laughed lightly. "I wouldn't want to put you through all that trouble, Raven." He stood up and offered her his hand. "Come on, let's get some sleep."
Beast Boy wandered into the dark and barren living room. It was nearing five in the morning, and he wasn't able to sleep all night. All he could do was lie on his back, stare at the ceiling and think. After tonight, he never wanted to think again. it sucked big time. Not only did he have the biggest headache in his life, there were things he wished he hadn't thought about.
Number One: How Kijin and Cyborg were getting to be rather 'buddy-buddy' at dinner that evening.
Number Two: Why the previous statement didn't seem to bother him in the least.
Number Three: Why was he so damn worried about what Raven thought, especially about Kijin.
Number Four: Why did Robin's before-dinner statements stay so boldly in his mind? 'Do you like Raven?' Of course he liked her! How could you not!? She was Raven for Pete's sake!
Number Five: He really needed to put something interesting on his ceiling.
Beast Boy turned on some low-lights and walked to the couch, determined to find something to take his mind off thinking. Maybe he should watch some reality television; that was enough to make your brains turn to jelly.
"What are you doing here?" A pair of very pretty, very deep, and yet very tired, lavender eyes turned to look at him.
"Oh! Uh. Hey, Raven." Beast Boy blushed and looked surprised to see another living soul in the dark room. "What's going on?"
Raven looked up at him, crossing her arms over her chest and raising a skeptical eyebrow. "I asked you first."
Beast Boy sighed deeply and flopped next to her on the couch. He took a moment before he found the right reply to her question. "I couldn't sleep. I just couldn't stop thinking."
Raven snorted, but looked somewhat intrigued. "You? Thinking? What about?"
"I don't know." He shrugged. "A lot of things, I guess."
There was a long, slow silence between them for a few moments. Raven looked over at her companion and sighed. "Hey, Beast Boy?"
The green male looked up at her. "Mm?"
"I'm sorry. about last night. I didn't mean to levitate you and all that." She said carefully, worried about treading on any ground that included Jealousy.
"Oh," Beast Boy said calmly, looking at her with acceptance, "I know you didn't mean to. It's fine, I wasn't hurt or anything."
Raven let a very small smile pass over her lips, and she nodded. "Well."
"So."
There was a long strain of silence again, as the two seemed to contemplate on what to say next. Beast Boy took the opportunity to look over at his companion, and just watch her for a while, in the soft, dim, gray light of pre-dawn. Raven was unlike anyone he had ever met before. She always looked so peaceful, calm, placid. even to the point of nonchalance; but there was always something in her eyes that showed that she cared. That thought made Beast Boy feel so warm inside, to know that someone cared about him.
"So." Beast Boy began, sinking deeper into the sofa. "What'cha doing out here so early?"
"Nothing in particular," Raven replied, feeling her cheeks turn a lovely shade of crimson. "I couldn't sleep either."
Beast Boy looked mildly surprised. "Really? Something troubling you?"
In those deep-green, innocent eyes of his, Raven found more than anything she had ever imagined. In those eyes she saw comfort, companionship, friendship. she felt complete when she looked into those eyes, and she felt almost strong enough to tell him her problems.
Keyword there: almost. She had no intention of telling him anything having to do with the recent arrival of Jealousy, especially since his stupid relationship with that Kijin chick was part of it.
"No." Raven whispered, turning away. She pulled her knees to her chest and sighed deeply. "I guess I've been under a lot of stress recently."
Beast Boy smiled comfortingly at his companion. "I understand, Raven."
'No.' Raven thought, feeling her lungs grow weak as she thought about her last emotion to arrive soon. 'You have no idea what it's like. to anticipate your demise.'
"We'll always be here for you. don't worry." Beast Boy smiled lopsidedly. "I'd offer you a hug, but I have a feeling you'd refuse."
Raven glared. "Touch me, and I will purposefully make you levitate."
Beast Boy laughed nervously in response. "Completely understood." He stood up and looked at her, brightly. "I'm gonna go make some food, want some?"
Raven blinked for a moment, then nodded and stood up. "As long as it's not your stupid tofu."
"Hey!" Beast Boy laughed good-naturedly.
In a few hours everyone was up and set to milling around Titan Tower. Robin was training, Starfire had finished her lambrequin and was now working on some crazy purple wreath, Cyborg and Beast Boy were playing video games, and Raven was reading. Rain poured down outside, dampening the spirits of the teens.
After a while Beast Boy put down the controller. "I just don't feel like it today."
Raven looked up at him, mildly surprised. Beast Boy very rarely just stopped playing video games, especially with his favorite opponent. This was strange. something must have been bothering him.
Cyborg sighed and nodded, sinking into the couch and looking out the window. "I understand, man."
Raven blinked several times, trying to register what had happened exactly. Both of them had said 'no' to video games. Video games, their whole lives revolved around video games! Uh-oh. something had to be up!
Starfire looked up at them, confused. "This is strange for both of you. What is the matter?" She asked, putting down the bright purple boughs for her wreath, and walking toward them. She placed her hand on both of their heads, and looked into their eyes. "You both feel normal temperature."
Beast Boy smiled and pulled away. He shrugged nonchalantly at the redhead. "I guess I'm just feeling a little out of it today, Star. Nothing to worry about."
She blinked and nodded, then turned to Cyborg. "And you, Cyborg?"
He shrugged as well. "I'm good, Star. Don't worry about it."
"It's not like either of you to refuse playing video games." Her innocent eyes darted from friend to friend.
"I didn't get much sleep, Star," Beast Boy said, finally giving an explanation. "I'm a little tired."
"Perhaps you should rest?" Starfire questioned.
"Maybe."
RING!
Everyone gave a slight start, and looked at the phone. Who would be calling them? They hoped it wasn't a bill collector, they didn't fight crime for nothing, you know.
Beast Boy went over to the phone and picked it up. "Hello? Kijin! Hey, how are you?."
Raven scowled and turned back to her book, as Starfire went to talk with Kijin as well. Stupid girl. who cared about her?
Jealous, are we? A voice inside of her questioned.
Raven scowled again, at nothing in particular. Stupid emotion, she didn't need it!
You may not want me, but you need me, Raven. otherwise you'd never get all your emotions. Jealousy laughed smugly at her host. And I know you're just dying to find out what happens next.
'Shut up! You don't know what you're talking about!' Raven hissed to herself, standing up and beginning to exit the living room. She was going to control this emotion, no matter what, and meditation was a start.
". Sure! . I'll see you in a little bit, then? . Okay! Bye!" Beast Boy hung up the phone and Raven stopped mid-step. She turned to look at him with a surprised gaze. Was Kijin coming for another visit? She had to see her again? Perhaps Raven was in need of more meditation than she originally thought.
"Was that Kijin?" Cyborg questioned, looking over at his green friend.
Beast Boy nodded. "Yeah, she just called. She's gonna come over in a little bit."
"Oh?" Cyborg tried to sound uninterested, but to no avail, Raven had caught his tone of voice and looked at him with interest. Cyborg had fallen under her spell as well? It was strange to see someone as self-confident as Cyborg fall under the spell of a girl, no matter how charming she may be.
"Yeah. I guess I'd better go tell Robin," Beast Boy started for the door.
"I'll get him." Raven said, quickly sliding out the door.
"Uh. thanks, Raven." Beast Boy stuttered in a confused way.
Raven looked back at Beast Boy's face, scowled and walked away again. Stupid boy, he only managed to make things more difficult than they should be.
As Raven walked down the steps to the training room she heard music blasting at full sound. She shook her head and smiled a little. Robin always blasted his music, it was a wonder the other Titans couldn't hear him all the way upstairs.
Raven laughed as she opened the door. Robin wasn't even training, he was sitting on a bench reading a magazine. He looked up at her and blushed as she caught him red-handed.
"So," Raven said, walking to the stereo and turning off the song. "This is how you train, is it?"
His blush turned into a smile. "I was taking a break."
"Did you even start?"
Robin thought for a moment, then shrugged. "Nope."
Raven sat down next to him, ever since their talk last night, she felt as though she could trust Robin more than anyone else in the world. There was something between them that made her feel ver protected, almost like Robin was a big brother she never had. or wanted. He looked over at her with curiosity, noticing the look on her face.
"What are you doing down here anyway, Raven?" He asked.
Raven sighed deeply, and the good aura around her vanished. "Beast Boy just got off the phone with Kijin."
"Oh? And?"
The lavender-haired girl scowled. "She's coming over."
"Oh, that's good. maybe she can motivate me to train," Robin laughed as Raven glared at him. "I'm only joking."
There was a moment of silence as Robin grew serious. He looked her in the eyes and his voice grew calm, but questioning. "Raven. Can I ask you a question?"
Raven gave him a strange look in response. "Sure, I guess."
"How do you feel about Beast Boy?"
There was a long period of silence as Raven's cheeks grew an amazing shade of crimson. What exactly gave him the right to ask such a promiscuous question! And where did he get off thinking there was something between her and beast boy! She couldn't stand the green little monster, all he ever did was get on her nerves! Even their heart-to-heart talks always ended in snide comments. like this morning. didn't it?
"What are you talking about!?" Raven protested immediately. "I can't stand Beast Boy and you know it! Everyone knows it!"
Robin put up his hands in defense. "Hey! Come on now. It was just a question. I just noticed they you and him have been acting differently since he was in your mind."
Raven snorted skeptically, crossing her arms and scowling. "It's been nearly a year since he invaded my privacy, and I can say that there is nothing between us."
"Oh?" Robin asked with mild surprise. "I asked Beast Boy the same thing. and he didn't give me an answer either."
"I just gave you an answer!" Raven snapped.
Robin smiled and stood up. "Yes, but you didn't give me a truthful one." He walked out of the room, leaving Raven to stare at him in utter surprise.
What he was saying was utter nonsense! There was no way in hell that Raven could have any sort of romantic feeling for Beast Boy. First off, he was ridiculously annoying! Secondly, he didn't eat normal food. Thirdly, he always had that stupid happy-go-lucky smile on his face. Fourthly, he paid far too much attention to her. Fifthly.
Raven buried her face in her hands. "Damnit! Stupid Robin! He doesn't know what he's talking about!"
Perhaps he does. a voice laughed from inside her.
'You shut up!' Raven glared.
Oh? And why should I? Because Robin's words hit a little too close to home? The voice sneered. Raven stood up and walked out of the training room, not giving another thought to the voice that still taunted her thoughts.
I am your emotion, Raven. I know what you think about. what you dream about. The voice grew more wicked as it spoke to its host.
'I don't dream! I don't have a need to!' Raven thought angrily as she climbed the steps.
Oh, everyone dreams the voice replied calmly, almost conversationally. It's whether you remember your dreams or not, that counts. And if I recall, Raven, you don't like to remember your dreams.
'That's because there's no point in it!' She growled.
Oh! The voice laughed at her host. Look who's coming.
Raven glanced down the hall and saw Cyborg, Beast Boy, and Kijin all conversing animatedly. She watched as the two charmed, young men hung on Kijin's every word. It was disgusting! Raven didn't care how cute she was, there was no need to soak the carpet with drool.
Kijin's eyes locked with Raven's and she smiled brightly and waved in response. "Raven! It's so nice to see you again, how are you doing?" She took a few quick steps and met the dark young woman halfway down the hall.
Raven choked back some rather snide remarks and managed a slight glare. "I'm cranky."
"Oh." Kijin asked, looking genuinely sad. Suddenly her mood brightened. "Beast Boy said that you liked to play chess and I was hoping you could play with me."
"Robin plays as well." Raven said, wondering why this stupid girl wanted to play chess with her.
"Yes, I know. but I don't want to play with Robin. I want to play with you." She smiled again, and Raven had to fight the urge to barf. Why was this girl so sickeningly cute!?
"Why?" Raven sneered.
Kijin blinked, catching on quickly to her cruel tones and wondering why she was doing so. She only wanted to be friends, it felt almost as if Raven were lonely. Kijin didn't want anyone she knew to be lonely.
"I want us to be friends!" Kijin responded as she tried to counteract the dark mood with a brighter one.
Raven stared at the innocent girl for a long while, looking into her eyes, examining her hair, her skin her clothes. finally, Raven made a sound of boredom. "I've got things to do." She sighed and looked back at the Green Goddess, whose face had fallen into despair. "Maybe later."
Kijin's smile brightened immediately. "Okay! I'll make sure you don't forget your offer."
"Sure. whatever." Raven walked away, scowling angrily. Stupid girl! Why'd she have to be so damned cute, and Raven lack in any adorable feature whatsoever!?
Beast Boy turned to Cyborg and blinked. "Whoa. have you ever seen Raven be so rude?"
Cyborg shook his head, looking just as surprised. "No way. I mean, she's not Miss Friendly or anything, but I've never seen her be so nasty to anyone."
Beast Boy shifted uncomfortably. "Think it's got something to do with Rage?"
"Nah. if that were the case, Kijin wouldn't be alive." Cyborg said practically.
Kijin turned back to her companions. "Is something the matter with Raven?"
Beast Boy smiled. "Don't worry, Kijin. she's just having some issues right now, nothing to be worried about."
Cyborg looked at his female companion and decided to bold a question. "Hey, Kijin?"
She looked up and him and smiled again. "Hm?"
"Do you know how to play backgammon?" He asked, avoiding her eyes for a moment as he felt his body temperature rise.
Kijin shook her head. "No? Do you?"
"Yeah. I was hoping we could play together or something." Cyborg's cheeks flushed an innocent red.
Kijin smiled innocently, blushing as well. "Would you like to teach me?"
"Yeah!"
Beast Boy followed the two to the living room, smiling. There was something between the two of them, and quite frankly it had to be one of the (for lack of better wording) cutest things that he had ever seen. Go Cyborg!
{Insert Standard Disclaimer}