Chapter 5
Of course, Raven couldn't dwell on the mysterious presence for long. The ability to express her emotions was still quite new and she found watching movies far more enjoyable now that she wasn't going to blow something up. However, rather than watching the foreign martial arts film, she paid attention to each of the Teen Titans, refreshing her memories of them.
Cyborg was on the edge of his seat, yelling at the screen with embarrassing enthusiasm. Every now and then he would turn to grin at them all and shout, "Did you see that?!" before returning to the screen with a mouthful of popcorn.
Robin would start out watching the various martial art moves, searching for new fighting skills. But as Starfire's head would soon rest on his shoulder and with a slight blush appearing in the flickering blue light, his hand would find hers and she would take most of his concentration. Starfire was happy wherever she was, as long as her friends were there.
And Beastboy. Well… whenever she looked at him, it was normally to find him watching her. After a quick smile they would pay attention to the film before risking another glance.
It was strange. When they were alone everything seemed fine with their relationship. Or did they even have a relationship? Maybe it was just in Raven's mind. But the few kisses they had shared since her return… the others had seen them and knew how they felt. But both of them were still uncertain. It wasn't the sort of thing that you just decided to talk about. It was the kind of thing that happened. But was it going to happen?
Raven shook her head quickly, shaking her thoughts away. Reaching forward for a handful of popcorn she settled back on the seat next to Beastboy. He grinned and stole a piece of popcorn from her fist.
"That's mine!" She said in mock indignation. Beastboy shrugged.
"You can have it back if you really want it." She eyed his munching jaw.
"Why don't you hang on to it?" He smiled and they made eye contact…
"HEY, DID YOU SEE THAT?! WOW!" Cyborg yelled, nearly upsetting the popcorn bowl. Starfire clapped her hands.
"Wonderful!"
Raven broke the eye contact and turned back to the screen. The movie was over. Starfire said,
"We have another movie." They all looked at each other and Robin said,
"I'm for it if you guys are."
"Count me in! That last movie rocked!" Cyborg said. Beastboy and Raven both nodded. Starfire zoomed over to the kitchen to make more popcorn. Raven pulled her feet up onto the sofa, tucking her knees under her chin. Beastboy yawned. She smiled.
"Tired?"
"Yeah – but I can't wait to see this film. It's REALLY scary apparently!" Beastboy said excitedly. Raven bit her lip. Cyborg grinned and then smirked,
"Don't worry, Rae. If you get scared, I'm sure Beastboy will hold your hand." They both blushed. Cyborg snickered and Robin elbowed him.
The film was scary. No, scratch scary and replace with heart-stoppingly terrifying. Raven clutched Beastboy's arm and Starfire buried her face in Robin's arm. Cyborg was staring transfixed at the screen while Beastboy and Robin looked disgusted.
As the movie finished, Starfire squeaked,
"I think I shall make some hot chocolate." She flew off to the kitchen. Unfortunately she was still holding onto Robin and pulled him over the back of the sofa with her. Raven giggled nervously. She'd never giggled before. It was interesting.
Beastboy grinned at her.
"It's going to take a week for your nail imprints to come out." Raven looked down at his arm. Sure enough there were several dents in his skin where she had clutched him during the movie. She rubbed them.
"Sorry about that."
"No problem." Beastboy replied, still grinning. Cyborg leant over and tapped the metal cuff.
"Hey, Raven, what's with the fashion accessory?"
"It, um, it controls my powers. Well, it's more like a barrier between my powers and my emotions. So I can use both but not let them control each other."
"Cool! Bet it cost a fortune!" Cyborg said, examining it. Robin came over and bent over it too.
"How could you afford something like that?"
"Well, it was more of a gift." Raven said awkwardly. Robin asked,
"From who?"
"Come on guys, enough with the third degree!" Beastboy stopped the flow of questions. Raven smiled at him gratefully. Once again he found himself just admiring that smile.
Cyborg yawned.
"Well I'm going to bed. Hope no one has nightmares!" He said, smirking at Raven. She glared at him. Cyborg was halfway out of the door when he paused and grinned evilly.
"Raven, if you get scared, don't worry." Raven raised an eyebrow. "I'm sure Beastboy will keep you company!"
A blast of black light sent him scurrying from the room, Starfire and Robin laughing and Beastboy and Raven looking EXTREMELY embarrassed.