Requisite Disclaimer: I don't own any characters, settings, or expressions that are contained in this story.
Review Response: Glad everyone still likes the story. This chapter contains the dates that have been set by the couples. Cyborg is of course alone in the tower, but he'll be fine. Anyway, enjoy!
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The Life Of the Titans
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Time ticked slowly forward that day for all the Titans. Robin, Beastboy, and Starfire were all looking forward eagerly to seven o'clock, anxious to get on with the dates that they had been waiting so long for. Raven was just nervous about her powers, and hadn't been seen by anyone since Beastboy asked her to go out with him. She was happy inside, but the fear of losing control was a constant worry.
Cyborg was just worried because the T-Car was making an annoying clicking sound when he turned, and he couldn't seem to find the cause. Even his nueral link with the car couldn't turn anything up. He sighed and closed the hood of the car, then turned towards the elevator, only to see Raven standing there, with an unusual worried look on her face.
"Yo Raven. What's up? You look worried about somethin'." Cyborg tried to keep the mood light, and began polishing the T-Car's already flawless shine. He didn't need to do it, but he wanted something to occupy his hands while he talked.
"Cyborg, What exactly was your bet with Beastboy today?" Raven's look of worry had faded back to her normal cold stare, and Cyborg was always unnerved by her glare.
"Uh... I bet him that I'd win any game we played, uh, best two out of three. Told him that if I won he'd have to ask you out instead of just flirtin' all the time. If I lost I would have had to do the dishes next time he was supposed to."
Raven stared at him for a few seconds longer. His cybernetic eye read a heightened amount of electrical activity in the air, a sure sign that she was reading his mind. He had nothing to hide, and he didn't bother telling her that he knew. He could tell that she was nervous as well, her pulse was elevated, she was sweating slightly, and the air currents around her body suggested that she was accidentally releasing a small amount of energy, which he knew she only did when she was worried about something. Or angry. He hoped it was worry.
"It's worry. You know that I am supposed to join Beastboy on a date tonight, and I am worried because... because I'm not sure how I feel towards him." Raven looked strange. She wasn't standing with the nearly arrogant confidence that she normally did. She was standing much more like her timid side had when Cyborg had been in her mind.
Cyborg smiled and put his hand on Raven's shoulder. "C'mon Raven. Think about what you would have done if Robin had asked you out. You would have flung him out of your room and through the hallway wall."
Cyborg didn't flinch, despite Raven furrowing her brow. She was irritated, he could tell, but he knew that she knew he was right. She had to feel at least something for Beastboy, or else she would have never risked going on a date with him at all.
Raven sighed. "Thank you for talking to me, Cyborg. You've been helpful."
"Anytime Raven." Cyborg looked at his arm, noticing that it was 6:30 already. "It's time for you to go get ready for your date. Good luck Raven. Tell Beastboy I wished him good luck too, he might need it."
Raven rolled her eyes. She then closed them and concentrated for a moment. "Driver's Side Rear Shock Absorber." Raven opened her eyes and looked at Cyborg, then left the room, heading upstairs.
Cyborg blinked for a moment, then it hit him. Of course! That's why the car was clicking, the shock must have been broken in the recent battle! He grinned, and went to his parts storage closet to find another shock.
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Robin took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. He was a man of action, used to fighting villians and sociopaths in Gotham's streets, and yet taking a girl out to dinner was making him fearful. Well, she's not exactly a normal girl, he reminded himself. She's an alien, and she's absolutely the most beautiful girl I've ever met.
Robin knocked on Starfire's door. He felt bad for wearing his costume on a date, but she was fairly recognizable, and he didn't want his identity known. Bruce had been seen in Gotham with him dozens of times, and it was important that no one put two and two together.
Starfire opened the door, smiling happily when she saw him. He felt his nervousness largely fade, her smile always made him feel better. "Hi Starfire. Ready to go? I was thinking of trying this new Thai place over on First and Main. They got a good review in the paper as one of the best places to eat in Jump City."
Starfire floated gently out of her room and hugged Robin. "Oh, Any place will be fine! I am just happy that you asked me out on a date, Robin. Tell me, what is tied food?"
Robin laughed as they began to walk down the hallway and towards the common room, which contained the elevator door. "No, Star. Thai. It's a nationality here on Earth. It's fairly similar to Chinese stir fry, just much spicier. Well, it's different too. Kinda hard to explain. You'll see when we get there."
Starfire was still smiling brightly. "I trust that I will like it. I have been wary of spicy foods since Cyborg made those En-chill-ah-dahs." Starfire still had a problem pronouncing spanish words correctly. "However, I am certain that I will enjoy the food tonight."
Robin smiled at her, as they stood in front of the elevator door. Starfire was happy to see him smile so warmly at her, she was unused to seeing an expression like that on his face. She felt her heart jump as he took her hand in his.
"Come on, Star. Let's go. I'm sure it will be great."
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Raven put down her book as she heard the knock on her door. Looking at the clock, she realized that it had to be Beastboy. She closed her eyes, and took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. She walked to the door and opened it, revealing a nervous looking green superhero with his hands behind his back. She waited for him to say something.
"Uh... Hi Raven. It's seven o'clock." Beastboy shuffled his feet nervously. Being so close to a nervous person made Raven nervous. Her empathic abilities irritated her sometimes.
"Ten after Seven Beastboy. You're late." Raven put on her dispassionate front again, trying to use it to maintain a level of calm.
Beastboy's face fell. "I'm sorry! I just had to... uh... make these... for you." He pulled out a small boquet of paper flowers, and held them out towads Raven. She was stunned. They were perfectly crafted, and he had obviously spent hours doing it. She took them carefully, smiling despite her efforts to control her emotions.
"Beastboy... I... I don't know what to say." Raven held the flowers gingerly, afraid that her touch would break them. She turned around, walking into her room and placing the flowers into a small, empty vase on her desktop. She turned back towards Beastboy, still smiling. He looked like he had calmed down a little as well.
"Uh... should we go? I figured we'd just go to your normal chinese place." Beastboy held out his hand, smiling because he'd made Raven smile.
Raven, with an uncharacteristic amount of hesitation, stepped forward and placed her hand in his. She nodded, still smiling. It was unusual to her to feel so much. She knew that she had to get a grip on her feelings sooner or later, but at the moment she wanted her happiness to last forever.
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Robin and Starfire had ended up ordering simple stirfry dishes. They were used to eating stirfry on Raven's cooking nights anyway, so it wasn't that much of a change. They had both been pretty silent on the ride over to the resturant. The R-Cycle didn't allow much conversation anyway. However, both of them felt a little too nervous to talk, somehow feeling like the weight of the world rested on every word they said.
Robin broke the silence. "So... uh... What did you do today? I didn't see you except to ask you out tonight."
Starfire smiled, happy that finally someone had said something. "I did not do many things. I spoke to Raven about Beastboy, and also I asked Raven for advice on dating. She has never dated before either, so I am still uncertain of how dating works on Earth."
Robin laughed. "It's just a way for people to get to know eachother. I guess it also allows people some time alone. We don't get that much time to ourselves in the tower."
Starfire nodded. "I agree. Tell me, what do you think about Raven? She seems to be interested in a romantic relationship with Beastboy, but she is so very... hesitating? Is that the word?"
Robin smiled. "Raven is just worried about her powers. She'll get over it. Well, as long as Beastboy doesn't do anything stupid, like try to kiss her or something."
Starfire blushed at the word. "Kiss? Do people do the kissing on dates? Perhaps I should not have gotten garlic and peppers in my dish." Starfire looked like she was about to panic. Robin inwardly admonished himself for talking about that with her.
"Uh... That's really up to the date. It's not required or anything." Robin laughed. "Plus, I think that if I was kissing you, I wouldn't be thinking about garlic."
"oh.. I.. uh..." Starfire looked up and saw the waitress approaching.
They both blushed darkly as their food arrived, thankful that they now had something to do besides talk. They were both far too embarassed to talk anyway.
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Raven landed gently on top of the Chinese resturant, watching as the small green version of her namesake landed as well. The raven changed back into Beastboy, who quickly stood up nervously. "Uh... Here we are. Ready?"
Raven nodded, her old expression of disinterest back once more. She had to focus her mind to levitate, and she couldn't have done it if she was as giddy as she had been back in Titan's Tower. She followed Beastboy into the rooftop door, nodding to the staff of the resturant, who were used to the Titans coming in from the rooftops by now.
Beastboy laughed out loud to break his own tension, waving at the hostess. "Nihao Diao Wei! How's business tonight?"
The waitress smiled at the green boy. "Is not bad. We always have good business when Titans arrive. Your normal table for five?"
Beastboy shook his head. "Uh.. not tonight. It's just me and Raven. uh.. Raven and I. Anyway, just for two." Beastboy blushed again. Raven just looked off to the side, not wanting to meet anyone's eyes at the moment.
The waitress smiled. "Oh, perhaps business will not be so good. No Cyborg means you won't be getting the extra three meals. However, we have a very good table that just opened up. Very nice for young people dating." Diao Wei led them through the resturant, towards a booth seat in the back of the resturant, nearly hidden from view. They would have near perfect privacy.
As the two young heroes sat down, the waitress picked up the menus from the table. "You want the usual thing? Mixed Vegetable for Beastboy and Extra Spicy Mongolian Beef for Raven?" Seeing both the teenagers nod, the waitress left to get their drinks.
Beastboy forced a smile, trying to break the ice a little. "Uh.. So wow. I never realized there even was a booth back here! I can't even see the rest of the people in here tonight."
Raven nodded, her dull expression unchanging. "Diao Wei seems to think that we need the privacy." Raven tried her best to contain her feelings at being alone with Beastboy. She hadn't realized the effect it would have on her until she had gotten here.
Beastboy looked around, smiling. "Yeah, with this kind of privacy, we could be complete animals, and no one would know!" He turned into a monkey, waving his tail around idly.
Raven rolled her eyes. He was trying too hard. She knew that Beastboy just used humour to cover up nervousness. At least he had a way of covering it up. She was trying her best to keep her emotions supressed, but it wasn't working. She saw Beastboy change back into a human as Diao Wei rounded the corner with the drinks.
"Here you are. Food will be ready in ten minute." Diao Wei smiled politely and then left. Raven sipped her water.
Beastboy laughed. "Diao Wei must have only moved here a while ago, her english is still a little off."
Raven nodded. "She moved here about three years ago, fleeing from prosecution from the Chinese government. She's very well educated, and by all means should have a better job than waitressing in a resturant."
"Dude, how do you know that?" Beastboy's mouth was hanging open slightly. Then he remembered.
Raven looked at him with an expressionless face. "I just looked into her mind. I was curious as well." Raven's expression suddenly changed just slightly, a tinge of worry was in her voice. "Um... You don't think it's weird... the mindreading thing... right?"
Beastboy looked serious. "Hey, c'mon! Don't get so worried! I've known about that forever, and I obviously still like you." Beastboy turned red again when he realized what he'd said. "Uh... I mean..."
Raven pulled her hood down, smiling. "Thank you, Beastboy. I... like you too."
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Cyborg wiped the grease off his hands. The shock had been replaced pretty easily, and now he was hungry for some food. He walked upstairs, looking for Starfire and Robin. He knew that Raven and Beastboy were probably already at the resturant, but Robin and Star probably were hungry too.
"Robin? You in there?" Cyborg looked around the training room, noting the lack of movement.
Cyborg walked down the hallway towards Starfire's room. Robin hadn't aswered his door, and he wasn't training anywhere. Not only that, but the kitchen and common room were both empty. Cyborg was beginning to get worried. He knocked on Starfire's door, careful not to break it. Last time that had happened, it had caused a lot of complicated mess to sort through. A few seconds passed with no answer. Cyborg clicked on his arm communicator, calling Robin.
Robin's face appeared a few seconds later, with an irritated look on his face. "What is it, Cyborg? I'm sort of busy."
"Where are you, man? I can't find Star either."
Robin raised an eyebrow. "We're on a date, Cyborg. Didn't she tell you?" Robin looked over to the side, presumably Starfire had said something to him. "Uh, I guess not. Sorry man, you're on your own tonight." Robin's face disappeared as he turned off his communicator.
Cyborg sighed, turning off his arm's videoscreen. He walked back to the kitchen. Opening the fridge, he winced a little at the smell wafting over from his too-old sandwich. The only fresh food that he saw was Star's pizza. He pulled it out and put it on the countertop, along with a soda. Bannana and sausage pizza.
He sighed. It was going to be a long night.
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Robin smiled at Starfire, putting his communicator away. They had been sitting quietly on a bench in the park, staring out over the water at Titan's Tower and the lights of the other side of the bay. It was a wonderful night to be out. The temperature was cool, but by no means cold. The stars shone brightly above, with no clouds to mar the view. Robin moved closer to Starfire, putting his arm around her shoulders. He felt a tingle go through his body as she leaned on him, resting her head on his shoulders.
"This is so very nice, Robin. On my world, nights get very cold, and we are unable to sit outside like this." Starfire felt happier than she had ever felt, here with Robin, staring into the stars. His arm felt warm on her shoulders, and she could hear his heart beating as she lay on his shoulder.
"Even so, I'd like to visit your home planet sometime, Star. Like any boyfriend, I need to meet your parents eventually." He smiled, still looking forward, unable to turn towards her due to the position.
Starfire giggled happily. "Yes, you should meet them! It may be some time before I am able to return to Tamaran, but when I do I will bring you to them. They will be most pleased to see us both."
A breeze blew past the young couple, causing Starfire to shiver slightly. Robin pulled her closer, wrapping his cape over her as much as he could. She smiled, looking up at him.
Robin felt nervous and happy at the same time, looking down into Starfire's green eyes. She was holding on to him tightly, and she looked so happy. He knew that this was his chance, if he wanted to do it. He closed his eyes and leaned forward.
Starfire knew what was happening, and did nothing to stop it. She had been wondering when he was going to make a move to kiss her. She closed her eyes, and then felt his lips press against hers. She tightened her arms around him involuntarily, wrapped up in the moment. It only lasted a few seconds, but it felt like it could go on forever. As Robin pulled away, she opened her eyes. Both she and Robin smiled.
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Raven pushed the half-full plate away from her, having had enough to eat for one night. Beastboy had finished his stirfry a few seconds ago, and was now smiling at her happily. She raised an inquiring eyebrow.
Sensing she was wondering what the smile was for, Beastboy spoke up. "I'm just happy that you agreed to go out with me. I was afraid you would get angry and throw me out a window or something."
Raven nodded. "I was surprised that I said yes as well. I... I didn't know how I felt towards you. I guess I still don't..." Raven looked down at the table, feeling bad for saying that.
Beastboy didn't seem daunted by it. "Hey, c'mon! There's no way you don't like me. I mean, you came out here with me, and that's got to say something!"
Raven looked up at Beastboy's green eyes. "Yes, I know. I just... I don't feel emotions the same way you do. Mine aren't as strong, and when they are, it's a problem. Not only that, but-"
"Dude, I know. I was in your head, remember? I know how you have to control your emotions, and it's ok. Don't go all grey-cloaked on me, ok?" Beastboy smiled awkwardly at her. He was obviously concerned, and only forcing a smile to try to make her feel better.
Raven looked at him with the same disinterested expression that she had maintained for most of the evening. "Beastboy, I need to ask you a question."
Beastboy nodded. "Go ahead, anything."
"How do you feel about me? Are you only asking me out because you lost a bet, or is it because you honestly like me as a... girlfriend?"
Beastboy shook his head. "It's not because of the bet, Raven. I've liked you for a long time, I'm just really bad at telling people things. Cyborg just made the bet so that I'd have to actually ask you. I really do like you, and I'm really happy that you accepted."
Raven smiled, causing Beastboy's heart to jump. "I was just making sure, Beastboy." Raven scooted around the U-shaped booth, sitting next to Beastboy, and holding on to his arm. She looked at him through shimmering eyes, nervous beyond anything she'd ever felt.
Beastboy smiled back at her, trying to remain cool as his insides were doing flips. Her smile was so beautiful, and the look of happiness in her eyes made her as stunning as any girl he'd ever seen.
Raven clutched his arm tightly, averting her eyes from his. "I'm... I'm having a hard time controlling my emotions, Beastboy. We might have to leave soon." She sounded almost sad.
Beastboy moved down to meet her eyes. "Raven, you know that I'll be happy with the date, no matter if we have to go early or not."
Raven nodded. "Ok... but you'll have to carry me back to Titan's Tower. I... can't fly like this."
Beastboy smiled, and got up from the seat, helping Raven outside, despite the clattering of silverware that seemed to be randomly falling from tables. Beastboy nodded to Diao Wei that she should just put this on the Titan's account, and helped Raven up the stairs to the rooftop. He looked at her face once more. "Ok, I'm going to carry you back to the Tower, hold on tight, ok?"
Raven nodded, trying her best to calm her mind. She watched him transform into a large pterodactyl, and she held on to his talons as he flew gently over the waters. It was only a few moments before they arrived once more on the roof of Titan's Tower. The city lights stretched over the coastline around them. Beastboy was human again, holding Raven close to him.
She looked up at him, her hands on his chest. She was feeling too much, too powerfully, but she couldn't help it. She heard the floodlights on top of the tower popping from energy release, but she ignored it. All she could see was his eyes. He leaned forward, closing his eyes. She felt her body tense as his lips pressed to hers. His arms held her tightly, and she felt, for the first time in her life, complete.
She smiled happily at him as he pulled back, his eyes shining. She put her arms around him and hugged him, feeling his happiness and surprise envelop her. She looked up at him again. "Beastboy, thank you. This was the perfect night. I..." The concrete helipad cracked audibly. "I need to go meditate, to calm myself. I just wanted you to know that it was wonderful." Raven quicky turned and walked towards the roof entrance to the tower, trying to get away before she lost her resolve.
Beastboy just smiled after her. This was the best night of his life.
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A/N: What an insanely long chapter. Anyway, Hope you all enjoyed the semi-romantic dates there. I'm no good at romance, but I wanted to have a bit in here. I'm not sure how to end this 'day to day life' sort of fic, but I'm working on it. Anyway, review if you liked it, and review if you didn't. I'll update again soon.
A/N: By the way, Diao Wei is not based on anyone. I just wanted Beastboy to know someone at the resturant. I'm not even sure that's an acceptable Chinese name, it's just a compilation of Diao Qiao and the Wei army from the time period of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.
Review Response: Glad everyone still likes the story. This chapter contains the dates that have been set by the couples. Cyborg is of course alone in the tower, but he'll be fine. Anyway, enjoy!
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The Life Of the Titans
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Time ticked slowly forward that day for all the Titans. Robin, Beastboy, and Starfire were all looking forward eagerly to seven o'clock, anxious to get on with the dates that they had been waiting so long for. Raven was just nervous about her powers, and hadn't been seen by anyone since Beastboy asked her to go out with him. She was happy inside, but the fear of losing control was a constant worry.
Cyborg was just worried because the T-Car was making an annoying clicking sound when he turned, and he couldn't seem to find the cause. Even his nueral link with the car couldn't turn anything up. He sighed and closed the hood of the car, then turned towards the elevator, only to see Raven standing there, with an unusual worried look on her face.
"Yo Raven. What's up? You look worried about somethin'." Cyborg tried to keep the mood light, and began polishing the T-Car's already flawless shine. He didn't need to do it, but he wanted something to occupy his hands while he talked.
"Cyborg, What exactly was your bet with Beastboy today?" Raven's look of worry had faded back to her normal cold stare, and Cyborg was always unnerved by her glare.
"Uh... I bet him that I'd win any game we played, uh, best two out of three. Told him that if I won he'd have to ask you out instead of just flirtin' all the time. If I lost I would have had to do the dishes next time he was supposed to."
Raven stared at him for a few seconds longer. His cybernetic eye read a heightened amount of electrical activity in the air, a sure sign that she was reading his mind. He had nothing to hide, and he didn't bother telling her that he knew. He could tell that she was nervous as well, her pulse was elevated, she was sweating slightly, and the air currents around her body suggested that she was accidentally releasing a small amount of energy, which he knew she only did when she was worried about something. Or angry. He hoped it was worry.
"It's worry. You know that I am supposed to join Beastboy on a date tonight, and I am worried because... because I'm not sure how I feel towards him." Raven looked strange. She wasn't standing with the nearly arrogant confidence that she normally did. She was standing much more like her timid side had when Cyborg had been in her mind.
Cyborg smiled and put his hand on Raven's shoulder. "C'mon Raven. Think about what you would have done if Robin had asked you out. You would have flung him out of your room and through the hallway wall."
Cyborg didn't flinch, despite Raven furrowing her brow. She was irritated, he could tell, but he knew that she knew he was right. She had to feel at least something for Beastboy, or else she would have never risked going on a date with him at all.
Raven sighed. "Thank you for talking to me, Cyborg. You've been helpful."
"Anytime Raven." Cyborg looked at his arm, noticing that it was 6:30 already. "It's time for you to go get ready for your date. Good luck Raven. Tell Beastboy I wished him good luck too, he might need it."
Raven rolled her eyes. She then closed them and concentrated for a moment. "Driver's Side Rear Shock Absorber." Raven opened her eyes and looked at Cyborg, then left the room, heading upstairs.
Cyborg blinked for a moment, then it hit him. Of course! That's why the car was clicking, the shock must have been broken in the recent battle! He grinned, and went to his parts storage closet to find another shock.
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Robin took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. He was a man of action, used to fighting villians and sociopaths in Gotham's streets, and yet taking a girl out to dinner was making him fearful. Well, she's not exactly a normal girl, he reminded himself. She's an alien, and she's absolutely the most beautiful girl I've ever met.
Robin knocked on Starfire's door. He felt bad for wearing his costume on a date, but she was fairly recognizable, and he didn't want his identity known. Bruce had been seen in Gotham with him dozens of times, and it was important that no one put two and two together.
Starfire opened the door, smiling happily when she saw him. He felt his nervousness largely fade, her smile always made him feel better. "Hi Starfire. Ready to go? I was thinking of trying this new Thai place over on First and Main. They got a good review in the paper as one of the best places to eat in Jump City."
Starfire floated gently out of her room and hugged Robin. "Oh, Any place will be fine! I am just happy that you asked me out on a date, Robin. Tell me, what is tied food?"
Robin laughed as they began to walk down the hallway and towards the common room, which contained the elevator door. "No, Star. Thai. It's a nationality here on Earth. It's fairly similar to Chinese stir fry, just much spicier. Well, it's different too. Kinda hard to explain. You'll see when we get there."
Starfire was still smiling brightly. "I trust that I will like it. I have been wary of spicy foods since Cyborg made those En-chill-ah-dahs." Starfire still had a problem pronouncing spanish words correctly. "However, I am certain that I will enjoy the food tonight."
Robin smiled at her, as they stood in front of the elevator door. Starfire was happy to see him smile so warmly at her, she was unused to seeing an expression like that on his face. She felt her heart jump as he took her hand in his.
"Come on, Star. Let's go. I'm sure it will be great."
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Raven put down her book as she heard the knock on her door. Looking at the clock, she realized that it had to be Beastboy. She closed her eyes, and took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. She walked to the door and opened it, revealing a nervous looking green superhero with his hands behind his back. She waited for him to say something.
"Uh... Hi Raven. It's seven o'clock." Beastboy shuffled his feet nervously. Being so close to a nervous person made Raven nervous. Her empathic abilities irritated her sometimes.
"Ten after Seven Beastboy. You're late." Raven put on her dispassionate front again, trying to use it to maintain a level of calm.
Beastboy's face fell. "I'm sorry! I just had to... uh... make these... for you." He pulled out a small boquet of paper flowers, and held them out towads Raven. She was stunned. They were perfectly crafted, and he had obviously spent hours doing it. She took them carefully, smiling despite her efforts to control her emotions.
"Beastboy... I... I don't know what to say." Raven held the flowers gingerly, afraid that her touch would break them. She turned around, walking into her room and placing the flowers into a small, empty vase on her desktop. She turned back towards Beastboy, still smiling. He looked like he had calmed down a little as well.
"Uh... should we go? I figured we'd just go to your normal chinese place." Beastboy held out his hand, smiling because he'd made Raven smile.
Raven, with an uncharacteristic amount of hesitation, stepped forward and placed her hand in his. She nodded, still smiling. It was unusual to her to feel so much. She knew that she had to get a grip on her feelings sooner or later, but at the moment she wanted her happiness to last forever.
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Robin and Starfire had ended up ordering simple stirfry dishes. They were used to eating stirfry on Raven's cooking nights anyway, so it wasn't that much of a change. They had both been pretty silent on the ride over to the resturant. The R-Cycle didn't allow much conversation anyway. However, both of them felt a little too nervous to talk, somehow feeling like the weight of the world rested on every word they said.
Robin broke the silence. "So... uh... What did you do today? I didn't see you except to ask you out tonight."
Starfire smiled, happy that finally someone had said something. "I did not do many things. I spoke to Raven about Beastboy, and also I asked Raven for advice on dating. She has never dated before either, so I am still uncertain of how dating works on Earth."
Robin laughed. "It's just a way for people to get to know eachother. I guess it also allows people some time alone. We don't get that much time to ourselves in the tower."
Starfire nodded. "I agree. Tell me, what do you think about Raven? She seems to be interested in a romantic relationship with Beastboy, but she is so very... hesitating? Is that the word?"
Robin smiled. "Raven is just worried about her powers. She'll get over it. Well, as long as Beastboy doesn't do anything stupid, like try to kiss her or something."
Starfire blushed at the word. "Kiss? Do people do the kissing on dates? Perhaps I should not have gotten garlic and peppers in my dish." Starfire looked like she was about to panic. Robin inwardly admonished himself for talking about that with her.
"Uh... That's really up to the date. It's not required or anything." Robin laughed. "Plus, I think that if I was kissing you, I wouldn't be thinking about garlic."
"oh.. I.. uh..." Starfire looked up and saw the waitress approaching.
They both blushed darkly as their food arrived, thankful that they now had something to do besides talk. They were both far too embarassed to talk anyway.
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Raven landed gently on top of the Chinese resturant, watching as the small green version of her namesake landed as well. The raven changed back into Beastboy, who quickly stood up nervously. "Uh... Here we are. Ready?"
Raven nodded, her old expression of disinterest back once more. She had to focus her mind to levitate, and she couldn't have done it if she was as giddy as she had been back in Titan's Tower. She followed Beastboy into the rooftop door, nodding to the staff of the resturant, who were used to the Titans coming in from the rooftops by now.
Beastboy laughed out loud to break his own tension, waving at the hostess. "Nihao Diao Wei! How's business tonight?"
The waitress smiled at the green boy. "Is not bad. We always have good business when Titans arrive. Your normal table for five?"
Beastboy shook his head. "Uh.. not tonight. It's just me and Raven. uh.. Raven and I. Anyway, just for two." Beastboy blushed again. Raven just looked off to the side, not wanting to meet anyone's eyes at the moment.
The waitress smiled. "Oh, perhaps business will not be so good. No Cyborg means you won't be getting the extra three meals. However, we have a very good table that just opened up. Very nice for young people dating." Diao Wei led them through the resturant, towards a booth seat in the back of the resturant, nearly hidden from view. They would have near perfect privacy.
As the two young heroes sat down, the waitress picked up the menus from the table. "You want the usual thing? Mixed Vegetable for Beastboy and Extra Spicy Mongolian Beef for Raven?" Seeing both the teenagers nod, the waitress left to get their drinks.
Beastboy forced a smile, trying to break the ice a little. "Uh.. So wow. I never realized there even was a booth back here! I can't even see the rest of the people in here tonight."
Raven nodded, her dull expression unchanging. "Diao Wei seems to think that we need the privacy." Raven tried her best to contain her feelings at being alone with Beastboy. She hadn't realized the effect it would have on her until she had gotten here.
Beastboy looked around, smiling. "Yeah, with this kind of privacy, we could be complete animals, and no one would know!" He turned into a monkey, waving his tail around idly.
Raven rolled her eyes. He was trying too hard. She knew that Beastboy just used humour to cover up nervousness. At least he had a way of covering it up. She was trying her best to keep her emotions supressed, but it wasn't working. She saw Beastboy change back into a human as Diao Wei rounded the corner with the drinks.
"Here you are. Food will be ready in ten minute." Diao Wei smiled politely and then left. Raven sipped her water.
Beastboy laughed. "Diao Wei must have only moved here a while ago, her english is still a little off."
Raven nodded. "She moved here about three years ago, fleeing from prosecution from the Chinese government. She's very well educated, and by all means should have a better job than waitressing in a resturant."
"Dude, how do you know that?" Beastboy's mouth was hanging open slightly. Then he remembered.
Raven looked at him with an expressionless face. "I just looked into her mind. I was curious as well." Raven's expression suddenly changed just slightly, a tinge of worry was in her voice. "Um... You don't think it's weird... the mindreading thing... right?"
Beastboy looked serious. "Hey, c'mon! Don't get so worried! I've known about that forever, and I obviously still like you." Beastboy turned red again when he realized what he'd said. "Uh... I mean..."
Raven pulled her hood down, smiling. "Thank you, Beastboy. I... like you too."
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Cyborg wiped the grease off his hands. The shock had been replaced pretty easily, and now he was hungry for some food. He walked upstairs, looking for Starfire and Robin. He knew that Raven and Beastboy were probably already at the resturant, but Robin and Star probably were hungry too.
"Robin? You in there?" Cyborg looked around the training room, noting the lack of movement.
Cyborg walked down the hallway towards Starfire's room. Robin hadn't aswered his door, and he wasn't training anywhere. Not only that, but the kitchen and common room were both empty. Cyborg was beginning to get worried. He knocked on Starfire's door, careful not to break it. Last time that had happened, it had caused a lot of complicated mess to sort through. A few seconds passed with no answer. Cyborg clicked on his arm communicator, calling Robin.
Robin's face appeared a few seconds later, with an irritated look on his face. "What is it, Cyborg? I'm sort of busy."
"Where are you, man? I can't find Star either."
Robin raised an eyebrow. "We're on a date, Cyborg. Didn't she tell you?" Robin looked over to the side, presumably Starfire had said something to him. "Uh, I guess not. Sorry man, you're on your own tonight." Robin's face disappeared as he turned off his communicator.
Cyborg sighed, turning off his arm's videoscreen. He walked back to the kitchen. Opening the fridge, he winced a little at the smell wafting over from his too-old sandwich. The only fresh food that he saw was Star's pizza. He pulled it out and put it on the countertop, along with a soda. Bannana and sausage pizza.
He sighed. It was going to be a long night.
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Robin smiled at Starfire, putting his communicator away. They had been sitting quietly on a bench in the park, staring out over the water at Titan's Tower and the lights of the other side of the bay. It was a wonderful night to be out. The temperature was cool, but by no means cold. The stars shone brightly above, with no clouds to mar the view. Robin moved closer to Starfire, putting his arm around her shoulders. He felt a tingle go through his body as she leaned on him, resting her head on his shoulders.
"This is so very nice, Robin. On my world, nights get very cold, and we are unable to sit outside like this." Starfire felt happier than she had ever felt, here with Robin, staring into the stars. His arm felt warm on her shoulders, and she could hear his heart beating as she lay on his shoulder.
"Even so, I'd like to visit your home planet sometime, Star. Like any boyfriend, I need to meet your parents eventually." He smiled, still looking forward, unable to turn towards her due to the position.
Starfire giggled happily. "Yes, you should meet them! It may be some time before I am able to return to Tamaran, but when I do I will bring you to them. They will be most pleased to see us both."
A breeze blew past the young couple, causing Starfire to shiver slightly. Robin pulled her closer, wrapping his cape over her as much as he could. She smiled, looking up at him.
Robin felt nervous and happy at the same time, looking down into Starfire's green eyes. She was holding on to him tightly, and she looked so happy. He knew that this was his chance, if he wanted to do it. He closed his eyes and leaned forward.
Starfire knew what was happening, and did nothing to stop it. She had been wondering when he was going to make a move to kiss her. She closed her eyes, and then felt his lips press against hers. She tightened her arms around him involuntarily, wrapped up in the moment. It only lasted a few seconds, but it felt like it could go on forever. As Robin pulled away, she opened her eyes. Both she and Robin smiled.
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Raven pushed the half-full plate away from her, having had enough to eat for one night. Beastboy had finished his stirfry a few seconds ago, and was now smiling at her happily. She raised an inquiring eyebrow.
Sensing she was wondering what the smile was for, Beastboy spoke up. "I'm just happy that you agreed to go out with me. I was afraid you would get angry and throw me out a window or something."
Raven nodded. "I was surprised that I said yes as well. I... I didn't know how I felt towards you. I guess I still don't..." Raven looked down at the table, feeling bad for saying that.
Beastboy didn't seem daunted by it. "Hey, c'mon! There's no way you don't like me. I mean, you came out here with me, and that's got to say something!"
Raven looked up at Beastboy's green eyes. "Yes, I know. I just... I don't feel emotions the same way you do. Mine aren't as strong, and when they are, it's a problem. Not only that, but-"
"Dude, I know. I was in your head, remember? I know how you have to control your emotions, and it's ok. Don't go all grey-cloaked on me, ok?" Beastboy smiled awkwardly at her. He was obviously concerned, and only forcing a smile to try to make her feel better.
Raven looked at him with the same disinterested expression that she had maintained for most of the evening. "Beastboy, I need to ask you a question."
Beastboy nodded. "Go ahead, anything."
"How do you feel about me? Are you only asking me out because you lost a bet, or is it because you honestly like me as a... girlfriend?"
Beastboy shook his head. "It's not because of the bet, Raven. I've liked you for a long time, I'm just really bad at telling people things. Cyborg just made the bet so that I'd have to actually ask you. I really do like you, and I'm really happy that you accepted."
Raven smiled, causing Beastboy's heart to jump. "I was just making sure, Beastboy." Raven scooted around the U-shaped booth, sitting next to Beastboy, and holding on to his arm. She looked at him through shimmering eyes, nervous beyond anything she'd ever felt.
Beastboy smiled back at her, trying to remain cool as his insides were doing flips. Her smile was so beautiful, and the look of happiness in her eyes made her as stunning as any girl he'd ever seen.
Raven clutched his arm tightly, averting her eyes from his. "I'm... I'm having a hard time controlling my emotions, Beastboy. We might have to leave soon." She sounded almost sad.
Beastboy moved down to meet her eyes. "Raven, you know that I'll be happy with the date, no matter if we have to go early or not."
Raven nodded. "Ok... but you'll have to carry me back to Titan's Tower. I... can't fly like this."
Beastboy smiled, and got up from the seat, helping Raven outside, despite the clattering of silverware that seemed to be randomly falling from tables. Beastboy nodded to Diao Wei that she should just put this on the Titan's account, and helped Raven up the stairs to the rooftop. He looked at her face once more. "Ok, I'm going to carry you back to the Tower, hold on tight, ok?"
Raven nodded, trying her best to calm her mind. She watched him transform into a large pterodactyl, and she held on to his talons as he flew gently over the waters. It was only a few moments before they arrived once more on the roof of Titan's Tower. The city lights stretched over the coastline around them. Beastboy was human again, holding Raven close to him.
She looked up at him, her hands on his chest. She was feeling too much, too powerfully, but she couldn't help it. She heard the floodlights on top of the tower popping from energy release, but she ignored it. All she could see was his eyes. He leaned forward, closing his eyes. She felt her body tense as his lips pressed to hers. His arms held her tightly, and she felt, for the first time in her life, complete.
She smiled happily at him as he pulled back, his eyes shining. She put her arms around him and hugged him, feeling his happiness and surprise envelop her. She looked up at him again. "Beastboy, thank you. This was the perfect night. I..." The concrete helipad cracked audibly. "I need to go meditate, to calm myself. I just wanted you to know that it was wonderful." Raven quicky turned and walked towards the roof entrance to the tower, trying to get away before she lost her resolve.
Beastboy just smiled after her. This was the best night of his life.
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A/N: What an insanely long chapter. Anyway, Hope you all enjoyed the semi-romantic dates there. I'm no good at romance, but I wanted to have a bit in here. I'm not sure how to end this 'day to day life' sort of fic, but I'm working on it. Anyway, review if you liked it, and review if you didn't. I'll update again soon.
A/N: By the way, Diao Wei is not based on anyone. I just wanted Beastboy to know someone at the resturant. I'm not even sure that's an acceptable Chinese name, it's just a compilation of Diao Qiao and the Wei army from the time period of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.