Chapter 7

It was Christmas Eve. That morning Raven wrapped herself up in her cloak and went to town, avoiding the other Titans. She didn't really feel like talking to anyone right now. As she trudged through the streets, watery sunlight creeping through the dark clouds, she felt that she could never go back to the tower.

She would, of course. It was where she belonged. For now anyway. Raven didn't really belong anywhere. And she knew it. It bothered her, obviously, but she didn't let it overcome her. What was the point? At least she had somewhere to go…

Shivering at the cold, Raven paused outside a café. After a moments consideration she went inside and ordered a herbal tea. She sat by the window to drink it. Couples passed by, holding hands, faces flushed with the cold and the fact that they were just together. Families walked past, clutching bags, children skipping ahead, waving their arms while their parents watched proudly.

"Here." The waitress said, putting down a saucer with her bill and a candy cane. Raven looked at the treat.

"I didn't order-"

"Complimentary. Everyone gets one on Christmas Eve." The waitress smiled. Raven nodded and offered a tiny smile.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome." The girl smiled, returning to the counter. The café was empty apart from her. A head poked out from around the kitchen door.

"Alli? You can take a break now."

"Thanks Matt." The girl said, pulling her apron off and pouring herself a coffee. She smiled nervously at Raven.

"Can I sit here?" Raven nodded slowly. Alli slid into the seat and sipped the coffee in relief. She looked across at the gothic girl.

"Are you Raven? From the Teen Titans?" Raven nodded. Alli smiled.

"Wow. I've always wanted to meet you guys. Well, to say thanks really."

"Thanks?"

"Yeah. You helped save my brother. A couple of months back, the fire on West Street? My brother was in that building." Alli said. Raven shrugged.

"It's our job."

"Still, thanks for saving him. My grandparents would have never forgiven themselves if he'd died. My parents passed away three years ago. Car accident." She explained. Raven listened closely.

"You're still at school?"

"College. I work here part time to help pay the bills for my grandparents. A couple of pensions don't go too far. My brother delivers papers during the week."

"You work on Christmas Eve?"

"I get double pay for these hours." Alli explained. And then she flushed slightly. "I'm sorry! I just keep rambling on about myself."

Raven took the opportunity to examine her a little closer. She wasn't traditionally beautiful, but she certainly pretty. Large brown eyes, light brown hair, pale skin. But there were slight dark circles under her eyes and she looked physically worn out.

"It's fine." She said, in answer to her remark. Alli smiled.

"I finish here in an hour. Then some last minute Christmas Shopping."

"You like Christmas?"

"Who doesn't?" Alli shot back. Raven arched an eyebrow. Alli smiled.

"OK, you. But yeah, I do. It's worth the extra work just to see my little brother sitting under the Christmas tree, waiting for the rest of us to wake up."

Raven was about the reply when there was a knock at the window and they both jumped as they turned to look. With his face squashed against the window so his nose was flattened, his eye rolling and his tongue hanging out was Cyborg. He grinned at his team-mate. Raven waved a hand and he flew back in a case of black energy. Alli stared at her.

"Do you know him?"

"I'd like to say I didn't. But that's Cyborg."

"Cyborg, of course!" Alli said, remembering. The robot strolled into the café and sat down next to Alli.

"Hey, Rae! Came out of your room huh?"

"No, I'm still there." She said sarcastically. But Cyborg's eye was on the candy cane.

"Ooh, Candy!" Raven sighed and pushed it over to him. Sucking on it he turned to Alli.

"Hey. Cyborg. Teen Titan."

"Alli. Waitress." She replied. Cyborg smiled, in a way he clearly though charming. This was deadened slightly by the drool covered candy cane hanging from his jaw. Alli laughed. Raven rolled her eyes. She stood up.

"I'll see you later." She said. Cyborg grinned.

"OK, see you at home."

As Raven wandered the town aimlessly, her thoughts strayed back to what had happened in the Tower. She shouldn't have yelled at Beast Boy. But he'd clearly forgiven her. Otherwise, why would he have brought her food yesterday? He was far more caring than she was.

She paused, surprised. Because, as if her thoughts had been read and someone upstairs had thought 'Well, wouldn't it be fun to play with her head for a while?', there he was. A slight green figure, talking to a shifty looking man. Raven paused, hiding behind a display of Christmas Cards.

"So that's do-able?" Beast Boy asked. The man nodded and replied in a rough voice.

"Sure. You get the stuff to the docks and I can take you from there. What time?"

"I'll meet you at 10:30. Dock 15."

"Don't be late, Green. Some of us want to celebrate Christmas at home." The man said, throwing his cigarette on the floor and stamping it out with the sole of his shoe.

"Thanks man, I owe you one. And remember, this is top secret. No one knows except us." Beast Boy shook his hand and then turned to leave. Raven waited until he was nearly out of sight and then started to follow, walking quickly.

The street was deserted. Raven looked around and, frowning slightly, she walked slowly down the street. A door opened and Beast Boy came out. She darted behind a dumpster and peered out at him. He was holding a large black bag and speaking to someone in the store he had just left.

"Thanks for hooking me up. Much appreciated."

He looked into the bag and smiled in grim satisfaction. Then he turned and started down the street. Raven stared after him and then followed. But he had disappeared once again.

Meanwhile, Cyborg was having the time of his life. After having a fun conversation with Alli, he had waited for her to finish work. Afterwards, they walked to the City centre to look at the decorations.

"So, am I your favourite Titan?" Cyborg asked, grinning. Alli laughed.

"Sure, why not."

"Hey, what does that mean?" Alli didn't reply. She paused outside a store.

"Can we go in here? I want to pick something up."

Whilst Alli bought her Christmas Presents, Cyborg thought he saw Beast Boy. He leaned forward to look closer but the figure had gone. Alli tapped his shoulder.

"Hey. I'm done here."

They left the store and wandered around the town for a further hour. It was lunchtime when Cyborg said he should get back to the tower. He walked Alli home. She smiled up at him.

"Thanks Cyborg. I had fun."

"No problem. It was great to meet you." Cyborg grinned, a slight pink tinge crossing his cheeks. Alli smiled.

"I'll see you around?"

"You sure will. Merry Christmas, Alli."

"You too." She put her key into the door and then paused, turning back to him.

"Do you… want to come in for a coffee or something?"

"Sure!" Cyborg replied, a little too eagerly. Alli opened the door and called,

"Gran, Grandpa! I'm home."

"Alli, is that you honey?"

"Yeah. I brought a friend home."

He followed her into a comfortable living room. An elderly couple stood up to greet their granddaughter. They both paused as they saw Cyborg.

"This is Cyborg, from the Teen Titans. He helped to save Joshua from that fire."

In a matter of seconds Cyborg was sat by the fire with a mug of hot cocoa and a mince pie while Alli's grandparents fussed over him. A boy, aged about 12, ran in and ran at him.

"Cyborg! Oh, man! You're my favourite Titan! You kick butt! Like when you do the Sonic Boom with Robin, it's totally cool!" He continued to ramble, running around, waving his arms as he did so. Cyborg glanced over at Alli, who was watching in extreme amusement. Cyborg grinned and bit into his mince pie.