Meeting of the Minds: Encounter
By: Little Creature
I do not own the Teen Titans or any other 'known' characters associated with them in past or present shows, etc.
"Lunch time." Roy burst out of first period. "Hope its something good."
Vic stopped him from running off. "We have forty-five minutes. First things first. We need to gather every schedule we can get our hands on for Raven."
"Come on. Why are you so hung up on her, man?" Roy whined.
"You just didn't." Vic growled, giving him a shove that sent him stumbling back. "Did you forget who I am? Do I have green hair?"
Logan blushed.
"We made a commitment and it'll fall on the entire class if we fail. I live two doors down from Cass and I know what upper classman do to freshman losers. So cool it, wise ass."
The group continued on its way to the office with Roy pouting behind.
The office was crowded but all the schedules were easily accessible and the amount of time it took in there was less than it took to stand in the lunch line.
Vic, Baran, X and Jeromy talked sports while Roy and Wally talked girls. Logan and Tim stood silent; Tim in thought, Logan watching the doors.
Why am I such a wimp around her? She's never made me feel like a loser before. She just makes me fall to pieces with a single look. Sigh I'm pathetic. Logan shook his head depressingly.
"Don't beat yourself up."
Logan looked to Tim. It sounded as if he had heard his thoughts.
"I know she's more than just any girl. I mean… she's Raven. But until you actually tell her, beating yourself up is stupid."
"You sound like a therapist." Logan said lowly. "Besides, when can I ever get her alone?"
"Be creative. She's not a typical freshman girl. But she is your friend."
Logan sighed. He was silent most of lunch.
"So what are we doing after school today?" Wally questioned stuffing fries into his mouth.
"Mowing the lawn." Vic said through a mouth full of apple.
"Dunno." X said reading a book.
Tim shrugged.
Most others responses were along the same lines.
"Does anyone have any plans for tonight then?" Baran questioned his friends.
There were heads being shook all around. Except Logan, who was staring at his food very intently, as if it was trying to tell him something.
The boys exchanged looks from one to an other.
"Logan? Hello?" X gave him a small shove to get his attention.
"Hmm?" Logan looked up somewhat startled.
Tim laughed inwardly, but it was sympathetic.
"Ya know, this obsession is becoming a drag." Wally teased.
"For real. I mean there are other girls that don't take so long to get what you want." Roy hinted.
"Terra'll make you feel better." Wally added with a laugh.
"Shut up, guys." Logan said into his food.
"Does she have you under a spell or something?" Roy mocked.
"It's not like she's the only one out there." Wally suggested.
"You've gotten dull lately." Roy jeered.
"Yea, obsession just isn't your thing." Wally taunted.
"DROP IT ALREADY!" Logan slammed his tray down and left the table.
"What's his problem?" Roy scoffed.
Tim stood and cuffed them both upside their head with a good amount of muscle behind it.
"What the hell, Tim. We were just having fun with him." Wally stood getting defensive.
"Did it look like he was laughing?" Tim hissed.
"What's your problem?" Roy stood joining Wally's side. "He needs to lighten up. Besides who brought you into this?"
The table looked on in silence.
"You two are turning into assholes." Tim started to walk away.
"What d'you think, Wally? Seems to me like he's the asshole."
Baran started to stand but Vic stopped him with a hand on his shoulder. "Tim can handle his own." He said only loud enough for Baran to hear. Slowly Baran retook his seat again while he clenched his fists.
"Come on little man, where you going?" Wally made a catcall.
"He knows we're right." Roy hyped.
"He's just a wimp; backing down from a challenge."
That stopped him. Tim turned. "After school. Your choice of location. No public property. We'll settle this." His voice was calm and collective. Perhaps that's what was so irritating to the other two. His eyes were spitting fire.
"There's two of us. That's an unfair advantage." Roy said in disbelief.
"You'll live." Tim countered.
"You can't be serious." Roy pushed.
"Try me." Tim pushed just as hard.
"Your house. Four o'clock." Wally remarked.
"Don't be late." Tim left.
Roy started to laugh nervously.
"He's crazy." Wally narrowed his eyes and shook his head.
"You two just made a big mistake." X told them with a dead serious expression.
"What're you talking about? He's the one who challenged the both of us." Wally made a hand motion implying him and Roy were the two he was referring to.
"Seems to me like he made the mistake." Roy said defensively.
"You have no idea who you're dealing with, do you?" X asked.
Wally and Roy exchanged questioning glances.
"You challenged him. Tim doesn't back down and he doesn't go easy." Jeromy said crossly.
"Come on. You've got to be kidding." Wally pressed.
"You have no idea what he's capable of." Vic piped in. "He's taken down Baran, X, Cass and myself. And we were just messing around.
Vic, Baran, X and Jeromy got up.
"Yea, but that's one on one. There's two of us." Roy stated.
"Nah, man." Baran chuckled.
"That was together." X added in the same tone as Baran.
"Four to one. And we got whipped." Vic finished.
"We'll be there to witness your thrashing." Baran lightened his voice into a laughing menace.
"And you'd better show up or he'll hunt you down." X demanded.
"Tim's right." Vic grabbed his bag and threw it over his shoulder. "You two are turning into assholes."
"And you better watch yourselves before you make a wrong enemy." Baran closed.
Wally and Roy were left alone at the table watching the other four walk away.
"What just happened here?" Wally asked confused.
"By the sounds of it, we're going to get our asses kicked by a mad man." Roy answered just as confused.
3rd Period. Literature
"Literature. Grade nine. We'll get right to business." The teacher went to the beginning of every row and placing a stack of papers on the desk for them to take one and pass it back. "This is a book list. 300 different titles. You are to read one and hand in a book report due in three weeks time. You will have a partner in which I will be assigning. This partner will be of the opposite sex for many reasons. One. School tends to shelter you from different sex pairings, which is pointless because life doesn't. Also males think generally along the same lines as other males and females think generally along the same lines as other females. Whereas a male and a female think completely different. For example: a few years back, I placed these words on the board and asked my students to punctuate appropriately."
The board read 'women without her man is nothing'
"The response I got was as follows. The males punctuated 'Woman, without her man, is nothing.' While the females wrote 'Woman! Without her, man is nothing.' So I want this paper to reflect two different sides of the novel you choose. This will be one fifth of your overall grade. Now when I pair you, I want you to let me know if you've been partnered with this person within the last three years. In other words, while in junior high. I would prefer it if I find someone you have not worked with. A 'yes' you have or 'no' you haven't will do.
"Jezabell, Caleb."
"No."
"Tamera, Roy."
"Yes."
"Tamera, Hunter."
"No."
"Vic, Raven."
"Yes."
"Vic, Karizma."
"No."
"Flo, Garth."
"No."
"Jennie, Slade."
"No."
"Raven, Wally."
"Yes."
"Raven, Toby."
"Yes."
"Raven, Logan."
"Yes."
"Ok, Raven. Who have you not partnered with?"
Raven looked around. "Mikron, Troll, X and Tim."
"Ok… X it is.
"Logan, Terra."
"No."
"Tim, Kori."
"No."
Within five minutes, the pairing was complete. The group was left to their individual assignments, though they were mostly left to their thoughts.
Jennie sat watching her desk. Well lucky me. Slade. I had to get the bad-ass, creep of the bunch. The one that I get along with least is my partner for the next three weeks. And my grade will depend on this assignment. Why me? Why me? Maybe he's changed. Hopefully.
I almost got Raven! Logan looked at the board with his pencil to his bottom lip. But lucky for me I already worked with her for a two day assignment last year. TWO DAYS! And as if it couldn't get worse, I got Terra. I would rather have gotten stuck with Kitten. Well maybe not Kitten, but she's no worse. Sigh.
Kori sat staring off into space as normal. Ooohh… I got Tim. This is going to be great. He possesses such a nice smile. And eyes. I wonder if he knows who I am. Though, he must. He looked right at me. Or right past me… or right through me.
It's official. Now I have been partnered with every one of Raven's friends. Karizma I know least about. She seems awefully… giggly. I hope she has more intelligence than Terra. I pity Logan. Vic mused as he let his eyes scan the book list, marking each that he would be interested in reading.
My grade is doomed. Logan placed his forehead in the palms of his hands.
Hmm… while Vic is a nice choice, Jeromy would have been better. Though, I shouldn't complain. Jennie got Slade. Yikes! Karizma watched the boys as she thought.
Screaming This is why they invented study groups. So you don't have to be left alone with scary, psychotic people. Jennie let a shiver go down her spine.
Sigh Raven watched her paper as she doodled.
Roan's kinda cute, I guess. Roy watched Roan. She'll be good practice. Until I move on to bigger, more 'experienced' things. Roy turned his gaze to Terra. I should be her partner. Logan won't know what to do with her.
Terra sat sucking on her pen cover. Green hair is such a turn on for some reason. I wonder what his bedroom looks like. Smiles I know what it'll look like once our 'study' date is through. Just you wait, Gar Logan. I have plans for us. Terra giggled at the thought.
Oh, good. Three more hours till I get my ass kicked. Wally watched the clock. I don't know when to keep my mouth shut. Wally let his attention wander until his eyes fell on his partner. On the bright side. If I get too beat up, if I'm lucky, Biona will nurse me back to health, since we will be together for the next three weeks. He smiled a bit before glancing back to the clock.
After School
"See you tomorrow, B." Raven and Jennie waved to Karen and continued on their way to Raven's house.
"Ok. I found three huge trunks in the attic. One reading 'Zynthos', one 'Azarath' and one 'Metrion.' But their sealed tight. I cant open them." Raven told Jennie in a high whisper.
"What kind of lock is it? New aged or skeleton key…"
"That's the thing. There is no visible lock."
"Strange… maybe-"
"Rae! Jenn! Wait up." Vic came running between them and handed a small stack of papers to Raven. "Schedules, my lady."
Raven smiled. "Now we just need a location."
"Yea, about that. Tim wants us to stop by his house on the way by."
"Really? Why?" Jennie questioned as they rounded the corner onto their street.
"He says he might have a workable room."
"Tim's gotten quiet." Raven commented as she looked down the road in the direction of Tim's house.
"Yea, more distant." Jennie added.
Vic shrugged. "Maybe. But he's still the same old Tim."
Raven nodded as she saw Tim's house come into view. It's gray and the largest on their cul-de-sac. Same old Tim. Same old Tim. The words raced through her head as if it was a chant. Same old Tim.
"Hey, Tim." Vic bumped fists with him.
Tim was standing by his garage. "Vic. Ladies."
Raven and Jennie smiled while Tim led the way to the side of the garage and up the stairs. The door was opened and the four piled in.
The room was huge (the size of a two car garage to be exact) and set up with mats and punching bags along side other work out equipment. Mostly martial arts weaponry sat around.
Raven and Jennie stared wide-eyed.
"Kudos, Tim." Raven said while still admiring the space.
"Will this work?" Tim asked.
"Definitely." Raven nodded.
Tim dangled a set of keys in front of her. "So you can get in whenever you need if I'm not around."
"Mr. Wayne wont mind us using this room?" Jennie asked as she walked around.
"Why would he?" Tim placed the keys in Raven's hand. "This room's mine. He has his own."
Jennies gasped.
Raven walked the perimeter of the room. "You… get a cookie." She commented absentmindedly.
Tim and Vic grinned.
"Well. You have schedules and a room. Now, you just have to set a meeting." Vic stated as the four headed out the door with Tim taking up the rear and closing the door behind him.
"I'll see you in a bit, man. Gotta get home first." Vic and the girls started down the driveway.
Tim stopped Raven halfway up the driveway. He had a playful smirk dancing on his face. "When do I get my cookie?" He asked in a low tone so only the two of them could hear.
Raven smiled. "You'll get it."
Tim stood back and watched the group leave.
Raven glanced back at Tim leaning on the side of the garage. Quiet or not. Same old Tim.
"I thought you said your father wasn't home?" Jennie whispered to Raven, spotting the big red truck in Raven's driveway.
Raven grunted. "He's not supposed to be. I guess we'll do this tomorrow."
Jennie went home through the path between their houses and Vic went to his own house.
Instead of suffering indoors with her father present, Raven sat on the porch and began to read a book.
"Hey, Rae." Vic greeted on his way by.
Raven set her book down and jumped off her steps to join Vic in stride. "Where you off to?" She asked, matching his pace.
"To watch Tim beat Wally and Roy. Coming?"
"What? Why?" She asked appalled.
"No one told you?"
Raven shook her head, so Vic recapped the entire lunch event from earlier that day. Well, most of it anyways.
Raven was somewhat surprised, but not completely. "I thought their heads were getting too big. But why again did Tim smack them?"
Vic went over the thought in his mind. For harassing Logan about you. But he couldn't just say that. It wasn't his place. "Well, Logan has… feelings… about someone… and has been kind of… down lately." Vic weighed the sentence in his mind making sure he didn't unintentionally say too much. Though if he had, it was too late now to take it back.
Raven knew exactly who and what he was referring to.
"So let me get this straight. Because Logan has a heart and is thinking with the correct mind, Wally and Roy decide to harass him? And when Logan leaves, Tim dishes it back and they get pissed… right so far?"
Vic laughed at her first question but nodded just the same.
"And Tim agreed to take them both on?"
"You don't think he can?" He turned his head to her and raised his brow.
Raven thought. "Tim's not stupid. So if he's accepted, I'm sure he can handle himself." Immediately she remembered his studio she had just seen an hour before. That's not all for show, I'm sure.
They walked in silence the rest of the way to Tim's yard.
As they entered Tim's driveway, Raven asked, "Has Wally or Roy seen Tim's studio?"
Vic shook his head, smiling.
Raven echoed the motion. "They're in for a surprise." She mumbled.
Vic and Raven walked across the yard to where X, Baran and Jeromy were sitting on Tim's porch steps. Tim was leaning against the railing a few feet away.
"Raven, Raven, Raven." Baran greeted her with a smile.
Vic took a seat next to Baran leaving a couple feet between them.
"You guys are sick and wrong." The boys on the porch's eyes widened and Tim hung his head slightly. "And normally I'd be completely against this. But given the circumstances… I'm not going to say I support this… but… (Raven looked to Tim) I hope you teach them a lesson. They need to be put back in their place. It's appalling to watch them think they're better than every one else. And they're only like that because no ones stupid enough to mess with the bunch of you guys. They forget that."
Tim sighed a bit. Raven let a smile twitch at the corners of her mouth. She sat herself in front of X and between Vic and Baran.
"So what's the plan?" Vic asked trying to remove the tension.
"Karate kid, here's, been wearing himself out upstairs with the bags for the past hour." Jeromy scoffed.
"I don't want to send them to the hospital. Just scare them a little." Tim said quietly. "I had to burn some energy."
Baran glanced at his watch as Wally and Roy came around the corner into Tim's yard. Tim jumped the porch railing and met the two in the middle. Raven leaned back against X's legs and folded her arms on her chest. Everyone else's expressions left and scowls formed. They were intent on showing their distaste for them right now.
"Listen, Tim. I think we all got carried away." Wally attempted to reason.
Tim said nothing.
Roy and Wally glanced over at the five on the porch.
"Toys or hand-to-hand?" Tim motioned to three collapsible bow staffs on the ground.
"We're really going to do this?" Wally asked timidly.
"Hand-to-hand." Roy said more adamantly.
"Then, lets play." Tim began to close the gap between them until there was only approximately five feet left. He stood there perfectly still, watching his two opponents.
Roy lunged first, followed by Wally. Tim put his left leg out knocking, knocking Roy off his feet, then grabbing Wally's right arm, flipped him on his back.
Wally groaned.
Tim backed up a two paces.
Roy made it back on his feet next to a wobbly Wally. This time Wally took the lead and attempted to punch Tim. He blocked it, time after time, and as the last punch came, Tim grabbed his arm and swung him into Roy. Both tumbled to the ground.
They slowly got to their feet again. This time they tried to attack from each side of Tim.
Tim weighed his options carefully.
Thinking they finally got him cornered, Roy smiled. Tim jumped into the air and drop kicked Wally to the ground.
Roy looked on in shock as he stopped abruptly. Maybe they were in over their heads.
"Alright, we give." Wally coughed.
Tim eyed the two of them and turned his back, walking away.
Roy grabbed one of the bow staffs and came from behind. "Speak for yourself." He growled.
Before Roy reached Tim, he turned and stopped the bow staff from hitting him.
Raven stood up ready to go out there. That was a cheap shot. X caught her arm and pulled her back down. "Leave them." Raven sat again, slowly, gritting her teeth. X held onto her for a moment longer to make sure she'd stay.
Time knocked Roy to the ground. Roy dropped the staff.
Neighborhood kids had started to gather around the side of the yard.
Roy stood again. Tim threw the staff back to Roy, who caught it, as he picked up his own.
Tim spun it in his hand a few times before gesturing Roy forward.
There were a few swings Roy gave, all of which were blocked. Tim slipped the staff out of Roy's hand and backed up.
Logan walked up Tim's driveway and, watching the action, made his way over to the porch. He took a seat on the step next to Vic.
"What's going on?" He questioned, giving a nod in Tim and Roy's direction, with Wally sitting a ways away.
"They're getting to know each other." X grinned.
"I see."
Roy picked the staff back up and charged. Tim stood motionless until the bow staff was inches way. Tim moved quickly over Roy and with his own bow staff held it across Roy's throat.
Tim had Roy in a sort of reverse bear hug. Roy's bow staff was vertical keeping Tim's from choking him. He was panting and struggling to get free. Tim's breath never increased.
"He's not even breaking a sweat." Logan couldn't help but point out. It was quite amusing.
Tim released his grip on Roy, who stumbled forward. That's where the scene stopped for a minute. There was no talk between them. Tim watched as Roy contemplated his next move.
Roy turned to face Tim. Tim was calm and relaxed as always.
Roy threw the staff to the ground and snatched something from his shoe. The crowd that had formed around them broke into whispers.
The six on the porch shifted as they watched Roy flip the blade up.
Tim stayed expressionless but his eyes glistened.
Tim tossed his bow staff to the side as Roy charged, knife in hand. Tim was quick. Dodging the knife first, he grabbed that wrist and twisted it till the knife came loose. Tim put the blade back in and threw it in the direction of the porch.
Tim twisted Roy's arm around to his back and let him squirm for a minute before throwing him to the ground. Roy didn't move.
Tim shifted to the front of him. "Get up."
Roy slowly rose, knowing he had been defeated.
There was one moved left and Tim did it perfectly. No heavy breathing, not a drop of sweat. One swift movement, as if he was just waking and it was natural.
Tim kicked off the ground, spun into the air and came down at Roy. Both of Tim's feet collided with Roy's chest, sending him flying backwards against the fence that ran along the side of Tim's house. Roy slid down until he landed in a pile on the ground.
Tim landed with his left foot, right knee and right hand on the ground and facing Roy.
Tim stood. "Go home." He made his way over to Wally, where he held out his hand. Wally accepted and got to his feet.
The crowd started to disperse when Raven got up. This time no one stopped her. She stormed over to Roy, picking up the knife along the way.
"Do you need to go to the hospital?" She asked, viciously.
Roy looked up to her standing over him. "No." He spat.
"Good." Raven swung back and punched Roy in the jaw.
"What was that for?" Roy asked a bit surprised as he whipped blood from his lip.
"This." Raven held up the knife. She turned and faced Tim. She strode up to him.
Tim searched her eyes but found them hard to read. She held the knife out to him. He took it.
Raven let a small smile dance on her lips. "Looks like you get another cookie."
Tim chuckled. "I'm still waiting for the first."
Raven grinned and started to make her way home, when she found Logan had caught up next to her.
"Raven, can I talk to you?" He asked quickly.
"Sure."
"…alone?" His voice was a bit quieter.
"Uh… ok. Come on."
They walked along in silence.
He's actually going to tell me he likes me? Good for him. As wrong as Roy and Wally were, maybe that push was what he needed. But what am I going to tell him?
Well, no backing out now. How am I gonna say it? Raven, I'm crazy about you. You're all I ever think about. Corny. Desperate. Needy… What if she laughs at me? She wouldn't do that. She's my friend.
Logan swallowed hard as Raven's house was a few feet in front of them.
Raven guided Logan to the back of her house.
"Where are we going?" Logan asked as he found himself in her back yard.
Raven pointed to the top of the trees. Logan's eyes followed in the direction she had gestured.
"Tree house." He said with a smile.
Raven smiled and made her way to the top. She made herself comfortable among the many pillows and blankets, leaning against the window that looked upon Jennie's house.
Logan made himself comfortable sitting against the wall perpendicular to Raven.
They eyed each other for a minute. "So…" Raven gently urged.
Logan gave a nervous smile and turned his eyes to the floor. I cant do this. He felt the panic start to rush through him. Deep breaths. "Raven… I… for a long time…" Logan sighed. This is so much harder than I thought. No. I'm wrong. It's so much worse. Ok lets try a new approach. "Do you think… that I would… be a good boyfriend?"
"Yes." She answered simply.
"You… do?" Logan looked up to see her smiling.
"Of course. You're kind, you care, you can always make everyone laugh, you have a good heart, you're cute."
"You really think all that?"
"Uh huh."
Logan's confidence was starting to rise. Raven on the other hand was dreading the question he was bound to ask. She didn't want to hurt him, but it would be worse if she lied to him, right?
"So, would I be a good boyfriend…for you?"
There it is. Well, that's one way to ask anyways. And the answer: probably. But no. "Logan, you would make a great boyfriend, for someone else." Raven tried to make it sound as nice as possible.
Logan's face fell. "Oh."
"I'm sorry, Logan. I do like you, really. And I meant everything I said. But if I pretended to like you more than I actually do, it would hurt you when the truth came out. (she paused) And I don't want that."
Logan's head was spinning. Crushed. He had waited so long only to be shot down. But I'm cute. You said I'm… cute. For someone else. More than anything, Logan wanted to leave. Run away as fast as he could. Hide for a week. But he was being held there, somehow.
Raven sighed. "Listen. I've tried to like you in that way. But as hard as I try, I could only see you as my friend. But there are quite a few girls, who I know personally, that think exactly like I do. But would love to have you as a boyfriend."
Logan looked up and narrowed his eyes. "Oh, yea? And who would that be?" She's just trying to be nice now. Pity compliments, that's all this is.
"That, I can't say. But I can give them the push they need. If you're interested."
Logan was silent for a moment until he smiled mischievously. "What kind of relationship are they looking for?"
Raven threw a pillow, hitting him in the head. Logan laughed, tossing it back.
The sun had gone down about two hours ago. Raven and Logan were laying in the tree house looking out the window at the starlit sky, talking and laughing. They recapped the fight. Then there was silence.
"Well," Raven rolled over and started to crawl for the door. "I gotta get to bed."
"You have to?" He whined as he rolled onto his stomach and watched her.
"Yes. But if you ever get bored and wanna hang out, call me. This was fun."
Logan smiled. "Raven?"
"Hmm?" She turned to face him.
"Can I kiss you… just once more?"
Raven let a little giggle escape her before she could stop it. "What kind of kiss are you looking for?"
"Which ever I can get!"
Raven bit her lower lip. Against her better judgment, she didn't see the harm in it. Maybe she could return his feelings.
"Tell you what. Close your eyes and I'll kiss you."
"You will?" Logan had expected to be turned down. This was a pleasant surprise.
Again, Raven felt it would be wrong and teasing him if she kissed him. Leading him on. The guilt twisted around inside her. But as long as she was in control, he couldn't take it further than she wanted. Just a peck. "Yes."
Logan had finally gone back to himself after their 'talk' but the nervousness came rushing back.
"But remember. This isn't going to change anything. You know that right?"
He shrugged. "Fine. I just… want… a kiss." He said between breaths.
Raven shook her head and laughed.
Logan closed his eyes and Raven leaned in close. Their lips met for a very short moment. But it lasted longer than the peck she intended.
Raven backed away. She frowned inwardly. Still nothing.
"Good night, Logan."
Logan smiled. "Night, Raven." He watched her as she disappeared into the night, leaving him alone in the tree house.
Logan frowned. I got my kiss. But… she really doesn't like me. That's alright. We connected tonight. I felt it. And she wants to hang out. I'll get her. Someday.
Logan was right in getting that kiss. That kiss, thought meaning nothing now, will grow in the future. Unlike their 'first kiss' with each other, this one was planned and both wanted it on one level or another. And though its significance is little in the present, in the future, not near future, it will throw them a curve neither will be able to handle.
School Morning
Raven walked to school alone, using 'sanctuary' with Jennie. Sanctuary was the word they used in a form of 'plead the fifth.' Basically, Raven wanted to be alone, to think, and would later tell Jennie everything. They always told each other everything. Every detail of everything. They were each other's diaries so to speak.
So Raven thought about everything. The walk to school was short so the time to herself was brief. But she covered everything. Maybe not as in depth as she would have liked, but she could always come back to it later. She thought of last night, the fight she witnessed, Logan. Their kiss. Raven tried to analyze it, but that was just like a girl. Never take anything for face value. There's always something deeper, even if there really isn't. But she still held the kiss as nothing more than a hug between friends. She sighed. She wanted to like Logan but just couldn't. Or didn't. Or both.
And she thought of Vic, who had taken it upon himself to become her… what exactly? Big brother? Protector? That, she would have to come back to. She needed advice on it. Someone else's opinion. And it made her curious as to why. Of course they had been neighbors for years, but in the last few months of school last year and so far this year, he has been somewhat… protective.
But mostly she thought about her newly formed crush. She had had crushes before, and if this is what it is… she had a lot more feelings with this one. This wasn't an 'I like you' crush; an 'I want to hold your hand' crush. It was more like 'I want to feel you against me' thing. And he played the part so very well. He was subtle, but when he would flirt, it wasn't just cute 'he likes me' fluff. It was full of 'meet me later. Alone.' Stuff. His eyes. His body. Him! These feelings were new. And she was a little afraid of them. This wasn't just some stupid, petty, high school crush. Lust. Dangerous.
She walked into school, still lost in thought but her feet seemed to know where they were going. She was about to pass the cafeteria but two red heads caught her eyes and she made her way over.
Wally and Roy looked up at her; Roy sour and Wally smiled, almost apologetically.
"How are you feeling?" Her voice was somewhat kind as she spoke to Wally.
"Alright." He answered with a weak, embarrassed smile.
She half smiled and turned to Roy. "And you?" Her voice monotone.
"Fine." His was sulky.
"Good. Our first meeting will be this Saturday, six pm at Tim's house."
"Whatever." Roy said sourly.
"And you'll be there. On time."
"Whatever, Raven." He let his voice get a little louder.
"Don't make me embarrass you." Raven hissed between gritted teeth.
"We'll be there." Wally said before Roy had managed to say anything more.
Raven nodded and continued on her way. Her next destination already in sight.
"Hello." Raven said, stopping in front of the boys whom she ran hers eyes across. Five. One's missing. "Where's Tim?"
"Not here yet." Vic answered.
Raven sighed and sat herself next to Baran on the bench. "I'll wait."
The boys all looked at her and exchanged glances among themselves.
Less than a minute later, Tim was standing in front of them.
"Good, all here. Meeting this Saturday, six pm at Tim's house. That should give those of you who have prior engagements time to finish, get home, shower, dress, eat and get there on time. Questions?"
There were smiles all around. And the main thoughts among the boys were the same.
There's something about Raven in control that just makes me wanna…"Roy and Wally?" X asked breaking the thoughts.
"Already taken care of." She stood and got in front of Tim. "And for you." Raven pulled out a small Ziploc baggy. "Two cookies. As promised."
Tim smiled and took the bag. Raven walked off.
They all watched as she walked away.
"Not exactly the cookies you were hoping for. Right?" Logan asked, grinning.
Saturday
Saturday brought the most heat Jumpintown had seen all summer. The thermometer reached 111 by noon, and it was rising.
"Can the day get any more miserable?" Raven complained to herself. She finally decided to roll out of bed and face the miserable heat. Even with the air conditioner on, she was still dripping with sweat. I've got to get some air.
Raven stood in the shower and let the cool water run down her body. She lost herself in thought. She was mentally preparing a list of topics to cover during today's Halloween dance meeting. She had stayed up till all hours of the morning on the phone with Jennie. Talking about everything. Especially her new 'crush.' She had desperately needed her advice. He's all she ever thought about. And with Jennie's help, she realized that she did, in fact, have a crush. But over the summer she did more than grow physically. And she wanted more than to just spend time with him. She wanted to rip his shirt off. Though, she had caught herself already mentally undressing him two days ago. But she actually really liked him. And time with him was just what she wanted. But deep down she was a little scared. Kissing is as far as she's gone. And though she wanted more, she was scared of more.
The moment Raven stepped out of the shower, the humidity washed over her body like she had gotten back into the shower again. Quickly she threw on her bikini bottom and top and looked at herself in the mirror. Shifting her head from side to side she looked at herself and frowned.
Raven made her way back to her bedroom as she ran her hand threw her wet hair. She slipped on her sandals and wrapped her long skirt around her waist tying it off at her left side. She grabbed her blue tank and made her way out of the house.
Stepping outside was almost like a breath of fresh air… for the first thirty seconds.
She exhaled and made her way to Vic's house.
"Hello, Raven." Vic's mother answered the door.
"Vic's at practice, isn't he?"
"Yes, dear."
Raven sighed. Damn. Forgot. "Thanks, slipped my mind."
Raven walked through the sprinkler on her way to collapse on her lawn chair in the yard.
"Hey, hey Rae." Jennie walked around from the back of the house. "I just had a great idea."
"I'm listening. Especially if it's an idea to cool down."
"Better. Remember that party you wanted?"
Truthfully, she had forgotten all about it. So many things had been on her mind. Her lit paper. Dance committee. Him.
"Yea. What about it?"
"Well, I was thinking." Jennie sat facing Raven at the end of her lawn chair, legs on either side. Raven folded hers under her to make room for the two of them comfortably. "Why not have an after dance party. Invite only."
Raven let the words run over her. "Alright. Parents?"
"Covered. We make two separate invites. One for the parents, saying exactly what they wanna hear. One for the people we invite, saying exactly what's gonna happen. Everybody makes plans to stay over someone's house. And there we go."
She had defiantly been thinking this through. Raven nodded a bit. "Ok. Where? We need somewhere… private. But close. With no parents. So unless you know someone with their own place…"
Jennie shrugged. "Will a beach house work?"
Raven eyes Jennie. And smiled.
5:15 PM
103 When is it going to cool down? Raven found herself whining inwardly again.
Slipping her head inside the front door to her house, she grabbed her back pack that she had prepared with planning material for her meeting, and started to make her way to Tim's house. It was only right, being the committee leader, that she arrives before the others. Besides, she needed to add some finishing touches to her rough drafts.
Raven made her way up the stairs on the side of the garage. The door was open. And there was Tim. A human shaped dummy was bolted to the floor and Tim was beating the crap out of it.
At first it was just hand to hand. He was coming down on it with the same moves he had used on Roy. Only harder. More involved. Intended to hurt.
Tim kicked the dummy with two feet and flipped himself backwards, grabbing a medal rod that she estimated to be about a foot in length. Before her eyes it became four times as long and Tim spun it in his hand before attacking his opponent again.
Raven watched him in awe. He was amazing. Every bit of him covered in sweat. His hair, normally spiked, clung to his head, dripping wet. He wore white pants and boots. No shirt. His eyes very steady. Determined.
Tim stopped and grabbed a towel off a bar to the side of him. He made the rod shrink and put it aside.
Raven knocked lightly to make her presence known.
Tim looked to her and gave an out-of-breath smile as he rubbed the towel over his face and through his hair, removing the sweat.
"I can come back if I'm interrupting." Raven started.
"That's alright. I'm done. Have a meeting to attend."
Raven smiled a bit and tossed him the water bottle that was sitting on the bench by the door.
"Thanks." Tim emptied the bottle.
Raven moved to the table and unloaded her pads of paper.
"I'll be back in a few minutes."
Raven smiled and nodded as Tim left the studio with his towel around his neck.
20 minutes later
This time it was Tim's turn to admire.
Raven stood at the end of the table, applying most of her weight to one foot and resting the other one bent slightly. She wore a long see-through skirt tied at her left hip and her bathing suit under it. Her blue tank top clung to her body. There was a slim gap between the bottom of her tank top and her long skirt in which her smooth skin shown through. Tim guessed her purple hair had at one time during the day been in a neat ponytail, but now there were strands falling into her face and on her neck.
Nice. Tight. Little body.
"So you have a plan?"
Raven turned her head. "Come and look."
Tim walked up behind her and looked over his shoulder. There were papers spread out of sketches she had drawn up or ideas written down. They were impressive.
Raven felt his hot breath on the back of her neck. It sent a chill down her back, despite the fact that it was over 100.
Tim inched closer and brought his left hand to the right side of her neck where he moved the stray pieced of hair away. He continued with that hand down her back and guided it to her hip, pulling her back against him.
Raven drew in a breath and held it as Tim started kissing her neck. Something inside started to crawl through her stomach, making it do somersaults.
His right hand started at her shoulder and made its way down her arm. At her hand he entwined his fingers in hers.
Raven felt paralyzed in a daze. She could only tilt her head as he kiss her neck. His tongue caressing her skin, softly.
His hand on her hip made its way to her thigh and started bringing up the front of her skirt.
Raven felt herself getting weak and closed her eyes as she swore her knees were going to give into her weight.
Tim dropped her skirt and started to turn her to face him. He could read the nervousness in her eyes and gave her a reassuring smile.
The feeling started to come back to her legs. Normally busy with activity, her mind was drawing a blank. She found herself getting lost in the moment. She closed her eyes and breathed slowly.
Tim moved his hand to the back of her neck and pulled her in. His lips were inches away as they heard footsteps and laughter on the stairs.
Raven snapped her eyes open and backed away. Tim smiled at how fidgety she was.
Slightly embarrassed, Raven grinned and placed a few stray strands of hair behind her ear.
Tim walked to the opposite side of the room and punched some buttons on a keyboard. Raven felt the a c kick on. She made her way back to her notes, desperately trying to collect herself as Donella, Jezabell and Karen entered the open door.
Raven greeted them with a smile as she silently cursed them for their bad timing. Though after glancing at the clock, she noticed it was ten of six. And the right time to start showing up.
Slowly group after group arrived through the open door. By 5:55 all were there. Except one.
Raven narrowed her eyes. "Where's Jennie?"
"Oh, and the best friend in MIA." Wally chimed, playfully.
"She still has four-" Raven was cut off by her phone ringing. "Speak of the devil." She picked up the phone. "Hello?"
"Raven." The voice on the other end was indeed Jennie's. But not as she had heard it in a long time. It was just above a whisper and struggling to hold off tears. Her breathing was heavy and choked with terror.
"Jenn, what's wrong?" Raven stood, horrified. Her best friend was in trouble. The others stopped talking and listened to Raven's alarming tone.
The voice on the other end came through quiet but clear. "Help me."