Reunions: Chapter Five – Home Sweet Home

"No way."

Standing in the doorway of Titans Tower was Raven. But not just Raven, another girl was with her. She had shoulder length blonde hair, which had two small uneven buns in it. Half of it fell in her face, covering her penetrating ice blue eyes. She was wearing a periwinkle t-shirt, a faded denim skirt, and a broken smile on her pale face. Her whole face seemed apologetic, as if she were pleading that we forgive her for some horrid crime.

"Hi, guys." Her voice, too, was timid and cracked. This was not the girl I knew, who had challenged me to Turbo Speedway and kicked my butt, nor was she the girl who wrecked my car, my pride and joy, and stood there and laughed. Laughed like a child discovering some fascination.

"Are you talking to me, or are you still giving me the silent treatment? Not like I could really talk to you then," she added, glancing nervously around the room.

Six years ago, I would have said, "Hey, what's goin' on?" Starfire would have giggled, then engulfed her in a bone-crushing hug. Raven would have kept her mouth shut, but still give her a slight nod. Robin would have eagerly welcomed her back to the team. And Beast Boy would rush to meet her, then give her an embarrassed kiss. But that's not what happened.

"Hey, Terra," Robin stated, somewhat surprised.

"Hi, Terra, what's up?" Starfire said, with perfect slang grammar.

"Yo, Terra, when did you get back?" Beast Boy questioned, confused but glad to see Raven unharmed.

"It's been a long time, Terra, but it's nice to have you back." I gave her a smile. Terra grinned.

"So, you're not gonna kill me? Good, I'm too young to die."

"Speaking of young," Beast Boy interrupted, "You haven't aged a day. How come?"

"Let's discuss this over a pizza," Raven suggested. "What toppings do you want?"

"Pepperoni," I declared.

"Mustard! I mean, sausage."

"Pineapple!"

"Extra cheese!"

"Well, this is just like old times." Terra laughed a hollow, unnatural laugh.

We sat down around the table. Terra took a deep breath and began the story. It took a long time, and as I finished off the last slice of cheese, Terra finally finished her story. By this time, Starfire had fallen asleep on Robin's shoulder, and was now drooling.

"You can wake up now. I'm finished. Looks like I have a new power," Terra joked, "putting people to sleep."

Starfire lifted her head, then looked around at us.

"Huh? Oh, sorry Robin." Star dusted off his shoulder.

"It's ok, I don't mind." Robin replied dreamily. Terra grinned, Beast Boy chuckled, and Raven smirked, as if to say I told you so. Robin blushed, then changed the subject, "So, Terra, do you need a room? Your old one's kinda cluttered, but I'm sure Raven can help you move in."

"Really? Me, live here? Oh boy!"

"That's awesome!" cheered Starfire.

"Sweet!" I screamed.

"Dude, you are gonna love it here!" BB said energetically.

"What's with the 'Oh boy'? Oh yeah, and welcome, I guess. Just don't cause any trouble." We all knew Raven didn't like Terra, but even I thought she was acting a little stranger than usual.

"I'll get my stuff. This is like a dream come true!" Terra leaped onto the table, then hopped onto the floor.

"Wake up, Sleeping Beauty," Raven retorted, "What are you gonna do when there's an emergency?"

"Uh, help you guys, I guess."

"Terra," Robin started, "You're a little, erm, young for the kind of work we've been doing. The bad guys just keep getting tougher, and you haven't trained in years. We can handle things on our own, you understand?"

"Yeah. But what am I supposed to do?"

"You can train with us," Robin suggested, "and then you'll be ready as backup."

"You can laugh at my jokes," Beast Boy added, "and boost my self-confidence. And also give me some advice on girls. Like, how to talk to them without making a total idiot out of myself." He glanced at Raven, then quickly looked at his feet.

"You can paint my nails, and go shopping with me, and help me with my training!" Starfire said, jumping up and down.

"You can play video games with me," I exclaimed, "and help me fix the T-car! Then we can kick those losers who tried to steal it in the—"

"And you can meditate with me," Raven interrupted, "and maybe, if I'm real nice, I'll let you read my dark depressing poetry."

"Thanks, guys. I knew you'd understand." Terra stared out the window, deep in thought. "You know, I always thought that I never had a home. That's kinda why I ran off with Slade. He was a father to me. I'd never had one of those. Now I realize that if I did, I wouldn't want him to be like Slade." Terra shuddered, as if to shake off the bad thoughts.

"But that's not where family is," Terra continued. "It's where people love you, accept you, forgive you. And for me, that's right here. In Titans Tower. Or wherever the heck you guys live."

I grinned. Perhaps this wasn't the new Terra, but the old Terra who we never really knew. The one who was happy; the one who loved travel, but valued her friends more than anything. Terra spun, then leaped across our living room. The old Terra was back, I could feel it.

And at that moment, I could have sworn the earth itself was leaping and dancing along with her.