Chapter 2

Raven woke and rolled over in bed to look at the clock next to her bed. 6:15. She sat up, rubbing her eyes and pulled on a dressing gown. She was wearing a nightdress, but always changed before going out to the main rooms. None of the other Titans would be up at this time anyway. She went to the bathroom and climbed into the shower. She rubbed shampoo into her hair, enjoying the feeling of the bubbles. After brushing her teeth she returned to the bedroom and pulled on her leotard and cloak.

She picked up a book and went to the kitchen for some herbal tea and a piece of toast. To her surprise there was already someone in the kitchen.

"Cyborg? What are you doing up at this time?" he looked up from his sandwich.

"Put on the heating in the garage. Hoping the car will start today. Figured I might as well have breakfast while I was up."

"I don't think a sandwich counts as breakfast." She said, putting a piece of bread into the toaster and pushing down the button.

"It's a damn good sandwich!"

"I'm not saying it isn't. I just don't think it's going to keep you going." She said as she put the kettle on.

Raven had a soft spot for Cyborg. She would never have admitted it, but it did show. Like when he had beaten Atlas, she had called him Champ. She couldn't remember doing that for anyone else. Or after his car had been smashed, she had given him the biggest smile she had. But she saw Cyborg as a big brother. Irritating but still loveable. He chomped on his sandwich as she poured her tea and buttered her toast. He wiped his mouth and said,

"So, five days to go."

"Five days to go til what?"

"Duh, Christmas! Geez, Raven." He seemed genuinely shocked by her attitude.

"I don't care about Christmas." She said quietly, fingering the edge of her cup.

"Who are you, Scrooge?"

"You've read A Christmas Carol?" She said in surprise.

"No. I saw The Muppets version on TV." He said, taking another bite. Raven rolled her eyes in despair and took a delicate bite of toast. Cyborg checked the time.

"I'm gonna check on the heater. Don't want it blowing over Christmas. I had to redirect the power from another part of the Tower."

"What part?"

"Hell if I know."

She opened her book as he disappeared. The familiar words made her calm, painting beautiful, colourful pictures as they flowed into her mind. She sat undisturbed, allowing herself to become engrossed in the beautiful words. It took her some time to notice that she was not alone.

Beast Boy sat on the other side of the counter with a magazine, reading as he ate tofu eggs. She looked at him in surprise and suspicion.

"When did you get here?"

"About fifteen minutes ago. I didn't want to disturb you." He explained. She blinked at his thoughtfulness.

"Oh…"

"Anyway, got to get baking. Still got a ton left to do." He started to clear away the breakfast things as Starfire and Robin entered. Starfire glanced over at the tree and, satisfied that it was still properly decorated, flew over to the kitchen.

"Good morning friends! Is it not a beautiful day?"

"It's cold." Robin said, shivering. "The heating in my room isn't working. I'll get Cyborg to check on it."

Raven smiled slightly. That would be interesting. She sipped her tea and pulled a face as she realised it was cold. Beast Boy picked it up.

"I'll make you a new one."

"Don't bother. I'm going to meditate." She headed for the roof.

The air was crisp and cold. A slight layer of frost lay over the ground and mist hazed the air. The sun was half-risen, colouring the mist a golden red. Raven levitated and found her centre, focusing on the calmness inside of her.

Beast Boy checked on the biscuits. Another fifteen minutes and they'd be perfect. The other cakes and baked goods were stacked in airtight tins in the cupboard. Three trifles were setting in the refrigerator. He checked the time. 10:30. Robin and Cyborg were collecting holly and ivy to decorate the tower. He snickered at the thought of explaining the arrival of more murdered plants to Starfire, who was making paper chains.

And Raven was still meditating. Beast Boy realised that she had been out there for over two hours. She must be freezing. He put the kettle on and made a cup of cocoa, adding a couple of mini marshmallows. Picking up the cup, he went outside.

Raven was absorbed in her meditation. Beast Boy said hesitantly,

"Raven?" Her eyes opened.

"What?"

"I brought you some cocoa. I thought you might be cold." She got to her feet, her limbs stiff with cold. Beast Boy frowned.

"OK, I know you're usually pale but right now you're kinda blue. Here." He handed her the cup. She warmed her frozen hands on it and Beast Boy looked around.

"Wow…" Raven looked out across the bay. The sea had turned from pale blue to a green-grey. White tips capped the waves as it crashed onto the rocks. The sun was hidden behind clouds.

"What time is it?"

"About ten-thirty. Come inside, we're going to decorate the main rooms."

"Must we?"

"Yes. It's a tradition."

"Since when?" Raven demanded.

"Since I just made it one. Come on." He dragged her inside.

Starfire was floating a few metres up, pinning paper chains to the walls. Robin and Cyborg had returned with the Holly and Ivy.

"Beast Boy, can you put the Holly up? Cyborg, you do the Ivy. I'll help Starfire with the paper chains. Raven, please can you put the tinsel up? OK, Titans move out!"

Beast Boy turned to Raven.

"Do you think he remembers that we're called the Teen Titans? He just says Titans Move Out. So are we Titans Move Out now?"

"I never thought I would say this, especially to you, but you're thinking too much." Raven said as she resignedly picked up a bundle of tinsel.

Starfire found Raven after lunch. She was sitting in her room, reading, when the Tamaranian knocked on the door.

"Raven? May I enter?"

"What do you want?" Raven said, not looking up as she entered.

"Well, I believe that on Christmas it is customary to exchange gifts. I was going to purchase gifts now, and I was wondering if you wished to accompany me?"

Raven looked up at her team-mates hopeful expression and sighed.

"OK… fine. We'll go Christmas Shopping." She squealed in excitement and flew out. Raven rubbed her temples. She had a feeling that this headache was going to get worse before it got better.