Jump City Cantata
A Teen Titans Fanfiction by Jacob McDonald
Opening notes: I was thinking about adding more to this chapter, but as it broke the 8,000 word mark, I decided to cut it off. It's one of the longest in either Sonata or Cantata, so get ready for a good 30-45 minutes of reading. A full hour if you read slower. This one really moves though, so it shouldn't be too bad.
Over the course of writing this chapter, I discovered two things: 1.) I know way too much about sex toys. 2.) I'm the most evil bastard I know. Here's why.
I know I mentioned way back in like, chapter 2 or 3 of sonata that I wouldn't put rape in a story, but I need a really horrible crime to put in this one. That's the worst shit I can think of. So I put it in. No detail at all, it's not any of the main cast, and the bad, bad man gets what's coming to him, so don't worry overmuch. I apologize up, down, left, right and the other way, but I felt it was the best path to go with.
On the upside, you Starfire/Robin shippers get your heads screwed with some more in this chapter, but at least I throw you a light at the end of the tunnle. Read on, and I'll see you at the closing notes.
Standard disclaimers apply. I don't own Teen Titans. Sorry.
Chapter 3
Cyborg jumped the stack of crates that separated him from the man he was chasing. He landed hard, shattering pavement and sending chunks of it flying in all directions. A green leopard jumped up on top of the stack of crates behind him and transformed into Beast Boy a moment later.
"You might want to stop running now dude!" the green changeling called out, "Cy's in a bad mood tonight!"
"Shut it, BB." Cyborg yelled as he took off again. He raised his arm to his mouth and shouted into it, "Star! Where is he?"
Far above her friends, Starfire watched the maze like warehouses of the East Side from the air, keeping track of their quarry, and directing the other two Titans through the mess of buildings.
"Turn right here Cyborg. Right!" she watched as Cy did a quick directional change and ran the right way. She looked up ahead of him and saw the man they were chasing. He was tall and thin, balding on top, and he wore loose clothing perfect for hiding things in.
He was a shoplifter.
Sighing, Star flew a little faster to keep up. Was this what the Teen Titans had been reduced to? Chasing down shoplifters?
"He's in your sights now, Cyborg." she said into her T-Comp.
"I got him!" Cy finally caught up to the guy and poked him in the back, sending him sprawling. As the half robot put cuffs on the shoplifter, Beast Boy walked over and made sure he was alright. He looked up at the sky,
"He's okay, Star. Call it in to the cops."
"Right away, Beast Boy."
Fifteen minutes latter, they were walking down a more populated street in the city, closer to the commercial district. Beast Boy stretched and yawned, then turned to walk backwards as he spoke to his friends, "Hey, you guys wanna' stop and get a pizza or two? I'm starved, and Cy's already had his run for the night."
"Should we not be patrolling?" Star asked.
"Naw." Cyborg shrugged, "Nothing's happening tonight. Let's get a pie. I see a place just up there." he pointed up the street to a pizzeria that still had it's neon open sign on in the window.
"Sweet!" Beast Boy dashed up the street, leaving his two friends behind.
"I guess taking just a short break would not be too bad..." Star looked worried.
"We'll make one more good round after we eat." Cyborg said as he threw an arm around her shoulders, "Then we'll head home for some z's."
"That will be acceptable." Starfire smiled, "May we get a pizza with waffles on it?"
Cyborg's eye twitched.
"So this is patrol huh?" Jinx asked as she peered in the window of a shop. The dress inside looked sinfully designed, "Seems a lot like window shopping to me."
"There's not much going on." Raven shrugged, "I was hoping for a mugging or a small robbery... you know, start you off small before a super villain comes through."
"I guess so. Hey, how do you think Robin is doing?" Jinx looked at Raven quizzically.
"Don't know." Raven pulled out her T-Comp and checked the time. She flipped it open and hit a few buttons, "Raven to Robin. You there Boy Wonder?"
There was a several second pause, then Robin's voice crackled through the T-Comp, "I'm here Raven. What's up?"
"Just calling to see how you're doing. Nothing to report from the past few nights patrols." Raven arched an eyebrow at him, "You're not wearing a shirt."
"Oh!" Jinx jumped behind the psion and looked over her shoulder, "Lemme see!"
Robin, standing in view of his T-Comp wearing just the bottom half of his uniform and no mask, looked annoyed, "Come on Raven."
"Sorry. Hey, how's Barbara?"
Robin's face fell and he heaved a sigh, "Comatose right now. The wound was easy enough for them to patch up, but..." he trailed off and Raven tried to get a fix on his emotions. He was greatly upset about something, "She... the bullet hit her spine. Went right through I guess.... she'll never walk again."
Raven shut her eyes and she felt Jinx's hand tightened on her shoulder, "I'm sorry to hear that Robin." she said in a monotone.
"Yeah... well... on the upside, I'm just a few steps away from tracking down the Joker. We'll have the sick bastard soon." Robin slammed his fist into his palm and scowled.
"Just remember who you are, Robin." Raven opened her eyes and stared at him.
"Who would that be?"
"You're a hero." Raven narrowed her eyes, "When you catch up with the Joker, act like one."
"I think you're getting too used to giving orders." Robin cracked a smile, "I'll have to get home as soon as I can."
"She's a slave driver Robin!" Jinx called over Raven's shoulder before going back to her window shopping."Be careful out there Robin." Raven said to him, and he nodded.
"You guys too. No telling when something might go down, so stay on your toes."
"We will. Raven out."
"Later." and Robin signed off.
"Jinx!" Raven called as she stalked over to where her friend was drooling over an over priced pair of boots, "Pack it in."
"Already? It's only half past eleven!"
"Nothing is going to happen tonight. Let's just head home."
"Alright. When ever you're ready."
Raven grabber her arm and they vanished in a swirl of darkness.
When Cyborg, Beast Boy and Starfire arrived back at the Tower, they found Jinx in the living room, sitting upside down on the couch, her hair spilling over the edge towards the floor. She was playing the Gamestation, her mouth hanging open, and her eyes slightly glazed.
The other three Titans stared at her for a moment, then Star asked, "Where is Raven, Friend Jinx?"
"Hmm?" Jinx's eyes focused a bit more, "She went to her room. Said she had 'stuff' to work out."
"And what are you doing?" Star cocked her head to the side.
"Playin' Gamestation..."
"We see that," Cyborg arched an eyebrow, "but why are you playing it upside down?"
"It's too easy right side up."
Beast Boy yawned hugely, "I'm in for the night gang. See everyone in the morning." he gave a fake cheer, "Training! Bright and early..." he started for the elevator and Star flew after him quickly.
"I too, will be going up for bed." she smiled back at Cyborg and Jinx, "Perhaps you two can engage in the kicking of each other's butts?"
"That sounds pretty decent actually." Cyborg walked over to the sofa, "I need to find out just how good my new challenger is..."
"I'm gonna' school you, Tin Man."
"Only if your LUCK holds, Witch."
Jinx snorted as she sat up straight and threw him a 'whatever' look.
Star giggled as the doors slid shut.
Raven punched her pillow as she opened her eyes. Cyborg had pissed her off royally earlier, and it was affecting her meditations. She couldn't even get deep enough to enter her mind. She going to have to use the mirror if she couldn't get past her annoyance with her friend.
Sighing, she stood to change for bed. No use sitting around in uniform all night if she was going to try to calm herself. She needed to be comfortable.
Changing into her usual sleeping clothes (a white tank top and a thong) she climbed back on her bed and assumed the lotus position. Taking a deep breath, she cleared her mind, and was just about to start her chanting when a knock sounded at her door.
Her eyes popped open and she growled out loudly enough to be heard beyond the door, "Who is it?"
"It is Starfire." came the reply.
Raven sighed again, "It's open Star."
The doors slid open and Starfire walked in, stopping just beyond them and letting them shut behind her. She wore black silk pajama pants, and a pink tank top that read 'Cuter Than You.' A gift from Beast Boy, no doubt.
"What can I do for you Star?" Raven asked.
Star was hesitant at first, then seemed to gain confidence, "What is it that Cyborg and yourself are fighting over?"
Raven winced. She had been hoping to avoid this conversation indefinitely, "Nothing important."
"But it must be." Star floated over to the bed and sat down in the lotus position as well, "You two are quite angry with each other."
"You're an empath now too?"
Star smiled, "It does not take psychic ability to know when two of your closest friends are angry with each other. I've lived with you for four years now Raven. Do not think I can't tell your moods."
"It's just... we were talking, and he said some things that insulted me."
"Like?" Star arched an eyebrow, "It is not like Cyborg to say hurtful things except in jest. Perhaps his wit simply prodded a sensitive area?"
Raven sighed yet again and leaned forward until she fell over. Star uncurled her legs and let Raven lay her head in her lap. She stroked the psion's hair as she stared out the window next to the bed, "He was telling me about his date with Sarah last night."
"And this upset you? Raven, you like Sarah."
"It wasn't that... I told him how I wish I could have a relationship like that with someone... but I would need to find someone who would understand if I don't always express myself to them. Someone who wouldn't need that constant reassurance."
"Did he know someone?" Star continued to run her hand through Raven's hair, knowing it relaxed the other girl.
Raven was quite for a few moments, then she replied, "He suggested Robin."
Star's hand stopped moving.
Raven frowned and sat up, "Look, Star..." she saw the look of concern on her friends face and almost laughed, "Star... I would never go after Robin. I can sense what he feels, and he LOVES you. Deeply. I wouldn't stand a chance, and you know how I hate futile efforts."
"Yes.... but... why did you grow so upset?" Star looked even more worried now.
Raven closed her eyes and swallowed hard, "Because he was right. I DO need someone like Robin. Someone who could understand me like he does."
"How is that?" now Star was starting to get an edge to her voice.
Raven didn't open her eyes. She didn't want to see the look of betrayal she knew was plastered across Starfire's face right now, "He knows that I CAN love, but he also understands the need for me to keep that emotion under control."
"You have had talks with him about this?"
"Sort of."
"And he understood?"
Raven opened her eyes and looked straight into Star's green orbs, "He made ME understand."
"What did he say to help you understand?"
Raven looked away, "He didn't really say much."
"He is a man a few words." Star nodded sagely.
Raven winced again, "He kissed me."
Starfire froze and her eyes suddenly flashed green, "He did not."
"He did, Star, but don't be mad at him... be angry with me if you want, but not him."
"It sounds like I should be angry with the boy who claims to love me!" Star was almost shouting now.
"He does, Star..." Raven reached out and touched her friends shoulder, "He just... wanted to show me that I can really feel love. I didn't think I could until then. And I did... I... I fell in love with him."
Starfire's eyes softened, "Oh Raven..." she reached out and wrapped her arms around the other girls head, "I am so sorry Robin did this to you."
"Oh, I'm well over that now... sort of... he's a great guy, and I know I'm not the girl for him, but if there was another person out there like him... someone who could understand me like he does... like you do..."
"You will find that person." Star said firmly, pushing Raven out to arms length, "You will find him, and he will love you more then you can imagine."
Raven arched a skeptical eyebrow, "What makes you so sure?"
"You are special Raven." Star smiled at her, "Things will work out. You will see."
Raven smiled at the red head, "You're a true friend Starfire."
"As you are, Raven." she smiled wickedly, "Now, you must have 'girl talk' with me! Tell me of this kiss! Was it any good?"
Raven was bewildered, "Well, yeah, it was great... made me blow up my vase. You're taking this pretty well now."
"Robin was making a point. He has been known to go to extremes before to do so. And like you said, he is in love with me. I trust you Raven."
"Well, I guess I owe you the gory details then don't I?"
"Yes, and if you don't mind, I would also like to know about sex. What does it feel like? How will Robin like it best? What is a 'blow job?'"
Raven burst out laughing, lost her balance, and fell off the bed. She continued to laugh from the floor, even as her books started flying from the book case.
"What?" Starfire asked as she peered down at her hysterical friend.
Raven stopped laughing abruptly and looked up at Star, "You're serious aren't you?"
Starfire nodded happily.
"That's seven in a row now, Jinx." Cyborg chuckled, "You want to try playing upside down?"
"Fuck you, dude." Jinx threw down her controller, "Street Fighter is NOT my forte."
"Well, if I ever feel the sudden urge to play Super Bust A Move..."
"I TOLD you... I'm better at racers and 3D combat games... side scrollers are antiquated and pointless." Jinx stuck out her tongue.
"Sacrilege." Cyborg grinned at her.
Hopping up off the sofa, Jinx started for the kitchen, "You want anything to drink?"
"Sure, grab me a Code Red."
"Right on." Jinx opened the fridge and poked around for a little while, "Don't you guys have ANYTHING with alcohol in it?"
"BB told me about your little adventure with Raven and a bottle of wine." Cyborg shook his head, "Robin doesn't allow any kind of drug or alcohol in the tower."
"Tight ass." she pulled out a Diet Coke and returned to the sofa where she handed off Cyborg's Code Red, "So you and Raven are having a tiff?"
Cyborg rolled his eye, "Yeah, it's really just her taking things too seriously again."
"What'd you say to piss her off so bad?" Jinx cocked her head to one side.
"We were talking about relationships and she brought up the whole thing where she needs somebody who would understand that she can't always express herself freely. I joked that Robin fit the bill perfectly and she just flipped out on me." he shook his head, "I wasn't serious."
"Cy..." Jinx shook her head, "That probably cut her pretty deep." she sat back and closed her eyes.
"Why?" Cyborg turned and glared at her.
"Robin was the first guy she ever fell in love with." Jinx replied quietly, "She doesn't really love him now... more like a little brother kind of thing I think... but still." she opened her eyes and glanced at Cyborg, "Getting him and Starfire together must have been one of the hardest things she's ever done."
"Damn... I didn't know."
"You couldn't have. It was just a mistake."
"I wonder if I'm really that blind to everyone's relationships."
"I don't think so. Robin and Star are obvious. You have to know that BB and I are crushing on each other. Raven still kind of likes Robin, and I think she's jealous of me and B....""What about you and Raven?" Cy arched an eyebrow, "I've seen you looking at her."
"Why wouldn't I?" Jinx smiled an evil little smile, "She's hot, you have to admit."
"I knew it! You like her." Cy poked Jinx in the arm.
"Well, she is my type. I like funny guys, but I also dig the serious chicks... really dry sense of humor, really intense... God I wish I could boff her..."
"That's more then I wanted to know..."
"You can't tell me that you don't think about getting it on with Raven and Star SOMETIMES..."
"Not since I started dating Sarah... and even before that, I never really thought about them that way... I lack any kind of equipment to do anything with...." Cy motioned at his lower body.
"You don't have anything hidden away in there?" he shook his head with a grin, "Even with all the gadgets you come equipped with?" he continued to shake his head, "No King Dong that pops out? No Wonder Vibe 3000 in your finger?" she had him chuckling now, so she waited until he took a sip of his drink, "No hydraulic penis?"
Cyborg burst out laughing at the last comment, spraying Code Red Mountain Dew all over the rec-room. Jinx joined him a moment latter, and they laughed long and hard for several minutes before they finally began to calm down.
"... and that's when you want to pull back, because if you don't, you'll get a mouthful." Raven finished with a scrunched up face.
"A mouthful is not pleasant?" Starfire looked worried.
"Not really... some girls like that sort of thing... I'm not one of them."
"Still, we are very different. I may try it once to see what it is like." Star nodded and added a note to the yellow legal pad she'd been writing on. It was covered in scribbles in her native language, so Raven had no idea what any of it said. She could only assume it was notes on what she'd been explaining for the past half hour. Star had asked questions, getting detail and interjecting her own thoughts on the matter.
Who would have known that Starfire, second Princess of Tameran, innocent cute girl of the Teen Titans was really, deep down inside, an horny freak? "You'll make Robin a very happy man if you do Star."
"Why is that?" Star cocked her head to one side and looked at Raven with a light smile.
Raven leveled her best sarcastic look at her friend, "There's a sucker born every minute Starfire. Sallowers are harder to find."
Star giggled, "You have been most helpful, Raven. I wish to make my first time with Richard very special. I thank you for your sharing of your experience."
Raven arched an eyebrow, "What experience? I've only had sex twice-"
"Twice now?" Star arched her own eyebrow, "When did this second time happen?"
"Damn," Raven swore, "walked right into that one didn't I?" she sighed and shook her head, "Yesterday on patrol."
"You skipped out on patrol to have sex? With the same man again?"
"No," Raven winced as Star gasped, "a different guy this time..."
"What was his name? Where did you meet him?"
"Um.... I don't know, and I caught him stealing a lady's purse."
Star looked scandalized, "That is... I don't.... you've been a naughty Raven, haven't you?!?"
"No, I'm a very horny Raven. I had some deep meditation to do this morning, and I needed my head clear. Ever since Robin kissed me the other night I've been feeling more and more aroused. Even right now I'm still feeling it a bit.""Just talking to me?"
"Well, you're hot, and that top barely covers your boobs on the sides..."
Star looked down to find that Raven was right. It WAS a bit too large to wear without a bra, "You are... 'checking me out'?"
"Is that a problem?" Raven grinned, "You're a babe, Star, people check you out all the time."
"I am seventeen Earth years old, Raven, not a babe. And girls don't usually look at me like.... that."
"Well, you might as well get used to it, because Jinx is as bisexual as they come. I'm starting to think about it too... it's starting to seem like any sex would be good sex."
"Little Raven isn't so little any more... should I start calling you Horny Raven?"
"Only in private. I think Beast Boy and Cyborg would explode if they heard you call me that."
Starfire giggled and stood up, "It is late, Horny Raven. We should both get some sleep."
"Right." Raven stood as well and leaned into her friend, inhaling her scent. They hugged briefly and when they separated, Star smiled broadly.
"Thank you again for all that you helped me with tonight."
"Thank YOU for helping me get over being mad at Cyborg... I'll have to apologize to him in the morning."
"I think that would make the Tower a much more pleasant place. I will see you at breakfast, Raven."
"Goodnight Star. Sleep well."
"And you as well." Star floated up off the ground and flew to the doors, which opened for her, and shut behind her.
Raven sighed one last time as she climbed back into bed and shut the lights off with a wave of her hand. Sleep would be most welcome.
Robin walked briskly down the hall of the hospital at 7:00 the next morning. Visiting hours started at 7:00 and he was as punctual as ever. Catching a glimpse of himself in a mirror mounted on the wall, he noted that he cut a quite a dashing figure.
When he'd woken up that morning, he'd found that Alfred had been in during the night and laid out clothes for him to wear. It was just like the old butler to buy new clothes for him when he would only be in Gotham for maybe two weeks. It was just the third day and he was already being pampered again.
He did have to admit though, Alfred knew his stuff. The black slacks matched perfectly with the black boots, and the black turtle neck he wore over a plain white t-shirt matched with his hair to finished off the ensemble and make him look dark and brooding. That was fine with Robin, because that was kind of how he felt today.
On his way out he'd grabbed Bruce's black over coat, and a set of keys. He hadn't even looked until he got to the garage and found out that the keys were for the Jaguar.
It was black too.
There was a theme forming here, and Robin liked the way it was going. Dark colors brought out his eyes and made them look piercing and stormy. Today, he wanted people to get out of his way if he glared at them.
As he thought about this, he glared at a nurse that was blocking his path. She scampered to the side when she met his eyes.
It seemed to be working so far.
Nearing Barbara's room, he saw a great deal of activity. Doctors and nurses were coming and going, several of them in and out of the room she was being kept in. He quickened his pace and grabbed the first doctor that came near him, "Hey, what's going on with Barbara Gorden?"
"Are you family?" he asked.
"No, just a really good friend. I'm expecting her father to be here soon though."
"Well then, you'll be happy to know that she's waking up." Robin felt his heart jump, "Funny thing though. She called out for the Batman as soon as she woke up."
Robin thought fast, "She probably wanted someone to save her. She got shot in the stomach... and she always was a big fan of The Bat."
"Yeah, probably." the doctor shrugged, "If you want to go in, I'm sure a familiar face would help her get through this better."
"That'd be great, thanks." Robin shook the man's hand and took off at a light jog for the room. Once there, he stepped in around a nurse and looked for the doctor that seemed to be in charge. He spotted a man checking Barbara's vitals, and moved over to him, glancing down at Babs as he did. She was moving her head back and forth, her eyes barely open. She was mumbling something too softly for him to hear.
"Excuse me, Dr. Gerespi?" Robin read the name badge the man wore and he looked up, "I'm Dick Grayson, Barbara's best friend. I was told I might be able to help here?"
"Yes! She needs a familiar face to wake up to. She wont come out of it until she seems someone she knows. We were going to wait for the Commissioner to show up, but you'll do just as well." he smiled warmly at Robin, "Just go talk to her."
Robin nodded and stepped over to the bed. Taking her hand, he watched her turn her head to him and open her eyes a bit wider.
"Bruce?" she whispered.
"No Babs... it's Dick. I'm here." he only then realized that the clothes made him look a lot like Bruce Wayne. Damn that Alfred.
"Richard..." she tugged on his hand and he leaned in to put his ear down by her mouth, "Dick... what the hell is going on? The Joker..."
"You were shot Babs... you're in the hospital now. Don't worry, you're alive and doing well. You've been out for a few days now, but you're waking up." he spoke in a slow, soothing voice.
"Where's Bruce?"
"Working. Your father will be here soon."
"Good.... is everything... taken care of?"
"No one knows who you are."
"Good.... Dick?"
"Yeah Babs?"
She raised her voice and spoke in a normal tone for the first time since she'd woken up, "Why can't I feel my legs?" there was a note of panic in her voice that made everyone in the room stop what they were doing and fall silent, looking at Robin to see what he would do.
He squeezed her hand and swallowed hard. The doctors would toe around it for too long, and draw it out. No one would tell her until she asked directly.
Robin knew Babs wasn't known for her patience. She was a tough girl, and she could take the new straight up, without breaking down or hyperventilating.
So he spoke, "The bullet went right though you Babs. It hit your spine and.... the damage is permanent. You've lost the use of your legs. Forever."
Barbara closed here eyes and swallowed hard. Shaking her head, she opened her eyes again and looked at him directly. He could almost see the years of training in clearing her head after a disorienting fall or blow working behind her eyes. She was coming back to life remarkably quickly, "Are we sure?"
"Two vertebrae were completely destroyed. We're sure."
She settled back into her pillow and sighed, "Guess I'll have to start doing more pull ups to increase my upper body strength then huh? Gotta' learn all those cool wheelchair tricks."
The room let out a collective sigh as she made light of the situation, glad that this patient hadn't flipped out or passed out.
Robin chuckled, "Always the jokester."
"I remember you being quite the comedian yourself, Dick."
"People change Babs. Hey, I'm going to let the doctors do their thing, then we'll kick 'em all out and have a nice long chat before your dad gets here. Sound good?"
"Yeah.... don't go far?"
"I'll be right over there in the corner so I'm out of the way, but I'll still be in the room if you need me."
"Okay. Dick?"
"Yeah?"
"Thanks for being here."
Robin smiled even as his heart was being rent in two, "I wouldn't have missed this for anything."
Jinx yawned hugely as she sat up from the couch. A blanket had been thrown over her, and a pillow stuck under her head. Cyborg must have tucked her in after she fell asleep. She smiled and rose to go to the kitchen so she could make some tea.
Starfire was already there, making a light breakfast. She had coffee brewing, and a kettle of water coming to a boil on the stove. When she saw Jinx, she smiled and waved from where she was poking at what looked like green eggs and earth worms in a frying pan, "The water for your tea is almost ready."
"Thanks." Jinx smiled gratefully as she pulled down the tea from the cupboard Raven kept it in, and got out a mug. She was starting to see why Raven drank the stuff all the time. It had jinsing in it, and it woke you up quickly in the morning. One had to be on one's toes at all times in Titan tower. No telling when Beast Boy might pull a prank, or Robin and Cyborg would start arguing over something, or Starfire would attack the moving blue food in the refrigerator.
As she poured her tea, Jinx struck up friendly conversation, "Did you sleep well last night?"
"Oh yes. I did wake up once though, from a dream about..." she trailed off and blushed, "Robin..."
"Oh." Jinx's eyes widened, "Oh! It was a good dream then?" she smiled wickedly.
Star blushed even redder, "Yes. Very good."
"And here I thought you were the innocent one..." Jinx laughed outright as Star attempted to hide behind her own body.
As the two girls giggled, the doors of the rec-room slid open and Raven walked in, yawning hugely. When she arrived at the kitchen, she didn't ask any questions or give any thanks as she poured herself a mug of tea. After a few sips, she finally paid the other two girls some attention, "Good morning."
"And to you as well, Friend Raven. This glorious day begins brightly and with many warm feelings!" Starfire flew over and presented the alien food she was preparing to Raven and Jinx in a triumphant manner, "Might you wish to partake of my healthful Tolgmorp?"
Jinx took a step back, but Raven, feeling brave, pulled a worm-like strand of green stuff out of the mix and popped it in her mouth. After several seconds of chewing, she gave her verdict, "It tastes like fetid cheese."
"Gag." Jinx said, sticking her tongue out, "I'll pass Star."
"I think I will too." Raven shrugged, "I'll wait for Cyborg to make something edible."
Starfire, used to the Earthlings not being able to handle her excellent cooking, shrugged and floated over to the table with her meal, "Suit yourselves. You are truly missing something special though."
"I'm sure we are." Jinx nodded sagely, then her wicked grin returned, "So, just before you came in we were talking..."
"Oh?" Raven arched an eyebrow. This should be good, "About what?"
"It seems that Starfire had a rather.... naughty dream last night about everyone's favorite little red birdy."
"Again Star?" Raven turned an amused look on the Tameranian, who was once again blushing and smiling shyly, "Well, I suppose it's no wonder after all the questions you were asking last night."
"What questions?" Jinx pounced on the conversation instantly.
"So Star comes in my room last night and stars asking about sex. How to do it, what it's like, what really feels best... you know, things she wants to do with Robin."
"Raven!" Starfire was blushing madly and giggling, "Jinx does not want to hear about our talk over breakfast!"
"Like hell I don't." Jinx grinned broadly, "You explained all of this to her?""I," Raven stated proudly, "gave step by step instructions to innocent little Starfire, Princess of Tameran, on how to give a proper blow job."
Jinx burst into laughter, and after a few minutes (in which Starfire, face red, glared at Raven) composed herself long enough to point at Raven and stutter out, "You... you're such a slut, Rae!"
"Guilty as charged." Raven shrugged.
"Oh yes," Star grinned as Raven's smile vanished, "she certainly is."
"Oh, I feel a story coming on." Jinx looked back and forth between Raven and Starfire for a moment, then looked expectantly at Star, "Spill."
"It would seem that Raven decided to skip out on her patrol duties for an hour or so two night ago.""Oh really? Back to Brandon's bed Raven?"
"He wasn't THAT good." Raven muttered as a blush crept up her neck and she stared down into her tea.
Star continued gleefully, enjoying her revenge against her friend, "She stopped a purse snatcher from getting away, then took him to the top of a building and 'did the wild thing all night long.'" Starfire smiled as Raven slurped her tea loudly while she was talking. It wasn't loud enough for Jinx to not have heard though, and the pink haired girl threw her hands up in the air.
"Christ Raven! Did you at least use protection?" she looked amused and exasperated at the same time.
"Actually...." Raven looked like a scolded child, "No. No we didn't."
"And why did you feel the need to have sex on the roof of a building in the middle of your patrol with some random guy you stopped from stealing some bitches purse?"
"I had some deep meditation to do after the patrol was over, and I was really horny, and I didn't want it interfering, and-"
"Enough!" Jinx waved her hands in front of Raven, "No more excuses! We're going shopping!" Jinx slammed the rest of her tea, and wiped her mouth on the back of her sleeve, "I'm going to shower and get changed. Be ready to go when I get back down here in forty five minutes."
"What are we shopping for?" Raven asked.
"We're getting you something to help with the horniness. And when we get back we're running a full physical on you to check for STD's and pregnancy. It's not a laughing matter Starfire!" Jinx whirled around and glared at Star, who'd been giggling. The Tameranian stopped.
"I am sorry. You sound like you are trying to be her mother though." Star smiled kindly, "Raven is very capable of taking care of herself."
"Well, today, Mommy Jinx is taking care of her." Jinx turned back to her friend, "Right?"
Raven sighed and her shoulders sagged, "Right." Jinx was right and she knew it. Might as well face facts.
"Good." Turning to Starfire, Jinx grinned her evil grin again, "I'll pick you up something for you and Robin while we're out. He'll love it, I promise."
"That is very kind of you." Star smiled blankly. She had no idea what Jinx was up to.
Raven looked over at Star as she stood to go to her room and change into civilian clothing, "Whenever Cyborg and Beast Boy get up, I want you guys to do some conditioning. Strength and grace today."
"Very well." Star nodded and watched her friends walk to the elevator with a smile on her face. As they left, she dug back into her Tlogmorp with gusto.
Robin stared out the window of the hospital room at the gloomy Gotham skyline. Clouds hung over the streets in a perpetual haze, and it either rained or snowed on a regular basis.
Today it had chosen to snow.
"Did the sun come out at all when I was away?" he asked as he turned back to Babs, who had been fiddling with her bed controls, getting it into a position where she could sit up.
"Yeah. Twice." she finally got the bed to where she wanted it, then turned to look at Robin, "You were gone for a while."
He arched an eyebrow, "Four years isn't so long."
"It is when you're only sixteen." she replied quietly.
"We went over this then, Babs. I had to go. The JL was looking for a team leader, Cyborg had just signed on, and Beast Boy had just showed up..." he trailed off and looked down at the floor, "More than anything I needed to get of Bruce's shadow. I wanted to be my own hero for once."
"You do a good job out there you know." Babs smiled at him, "Bats is constantly giving me updates."
"That doesn't sound like the Batman I know."
"I know. He's changed since you left. Almost like he lost a part of himself. It's just not the same."
"You've been helping him just fine, Babs."
"How can I explain this?" she seemed to search for the words for a few moments, "Before, he was just The Batman. Then, when you came along, he started to think of you two as Batman and Robin, just like the rest of the world. After a few years, it just seemed natural. Then you left, and there was no more Robin to his Batman." she shook her head, "I was good, Dick, but I was never as good as you were. It was like you and Bats.... you two were a well oiled machine."
"I've heard that said before." he smiled, "And what's all this you were good?"
"In case you've forgotten," she replied coldly, "I've recently lost the use of my legs."
"I haven't forgotten." he reached out and pushed a strand of hair behind her ear, "But I know you, Babs. You're not a quitter. You'll find a way to get back into the game."
She sighed, "I suppose I'll get the itch again in a few months. Once I'm out of the hospital and just sitting behind my desk at the library-" Robin snorted and then laughed. She looked at him in annoyance, "What?"
"You're a librarian?"
"Yes! Unlike some rich snots I know, I don't have a billionaire giving me a thousand dollars every week!"
"It's every month, and it's about what I'd be making at a regular job. I just spend all my time in uniform."
"Yeah, hanging around that comfy tower out in Jump City bay..."
"It is a pretty sweet deal."
She sighed again, "No room in the Titans for a cripple with computer skills is there?"
"Sorry," Robin put a hand over hers, "we just picked up a new member, and I think Gotham could still use you."
"I don't know what I'm going to do now, Dick." she stared down at the bed in front of her, and a single tear rolled down her cheek, "I'm never going to walk again." she whispered, "Ever." she started to shake and Robin immediately jumped up and crawled onto the bed with her. He wrapped his arms around her and she buried her face in his chest, uncontrollable sobs wracking her body.
"Shhh..." he murmured, "It'll be okay, Babs. You'll work around it. I know you wont give up.... I wont let you."
After a few minutes, she manadged to pull away and look up at him with tear stained cheeks, "God Dick.... I've missed you so much. I've wanted you to come back, so we could take walks like we used to... but now... now... I'll never-"
"Stop talking like that." Robin was forceful, "You've never given up before Babs. So you can't walk? So what?" he snapped his fingers in her face, "We'll have you moving faster then the Flash in that wheel chair before you know it, and we'll come up with some way, some how, for you to help again. You may not have your legs any more," he tapped her head, "but you still have your brain. Even Batman will tell you that it's your greatest asset."
"Dick...." she rested her head on his shoulder, "Let's just not think about it right now. Hold me for a little while. Just a little while."
Robin thought of Starfire, and how he had held her just a few days before. THAT had felt right. This felt... different. But not wrong. It felt... like putting on a good, broken in pair of sneakers.
As the two of them fell into silence, Robin stared out the window at the gently falling snow, his heart being pulled in two directions, both of which seemed like good ones.
Beast Boy, Cyborg, and Starfire all moved slowly on the roof of Titan Tower. Starfire was leading the boys through several Tai Chi maneuvers Robin had taught them a few years back for grace training. The entire team found it relaxing because it was slow, easy moves, and it gave them a chance to talk in a quiet, friendly atmosphere.
"... so she just slept with him right there?" Beast Boy sounded shocked, "Damn, Raven."
"I always thought that she might be a little bit freaky when she started... well, getting freaky, but," Cyborg let out a low whistle, "Damn."
"Yes." Starfire nodded as she swept her arm forward in a graceful arch, "I will concur with both of you." she ended the maneuver flawlessly with a slow palm thrust, "Damn."
"I think that's the first time I've ever heard you swear, Star." Beast Boy giggled.
"I do not believe in vulgarity, but in this case, there are few ways in which to express the sheer magnitude of Raven's actions. I did not realize she had had unprotected sex with a stranger." she frowned, "I am also ashamed that I did not think to ask. We are lucky to have Jinx with us."
"I guess." Cyborg followed Star's next move as best he could. His body wasn't built for Tai Chi, "I had a long chat with her last night."
"Did you work out any differences you had?" Star looked sharply at Beast Boy out of the corner of her eye, "Arm straight Beast Boy!" she commanded. He nodded and straightened his arm.
"Yeah, we worked out that I was kind of a jerk to Raven yesterday." he grinned, "We also worked out that I can thoroughly trounce her in Street Fighter."
"Dude, brag all you want, but Robin still schooled you the other day." Beast Boy noted Star's foot position and moved his accordingly to catch up to her rhythm.
"I wonder how ol' Rob is doing out in Gotham?" Cyborg said.
"I'm sure he's doing just great, considering why he went out there." Beast Boy replied with a smarmy voice.
"And what is that suppose to mean?" Starfire asked.
"Oh, don't worry Star." Beast Boy waved it off then moved his hand back into position, "Robin is head over heals for you, and he's not the type to run off with an old girlfriend."
"What?" Star slipped up in her movements, but caught herself and quickly.
"What? You let him go without grilling him about her?" Beast Boy sounded exasperated, "Barbara Gordan, a.k.a. Batgirl, was Robin's first real girlfriend. They were close to each other's age, both vigilantes under Batman's guidance... it was only natural." he shrugged, turning in a slow kicking motion away from Starfire, "She was like, his first kiss and everything."
"I did not know..." Star sounded edgy.
"Oh, it's okay Star." Beast Boy continued on, his eyes closed, ignorant of Cyborg's warning glances, "They called it off and decided that crime fighting and dating don't mix well. Good thing he got over that little issue for you, huh?" there was a sparkling noise and he opened his eyes, "Right Star?" he turned around, dropping his arms, "Star?"
Cyborg stood, glaring at Beast Boy, who's mouth was hanging open as Starfire disappeared in the distance, flying East.
"Way to go, BB." Cybrog growled out "Way to fuckin' go."
"I didn't.... she doesn't normally... I...." he stopped, "MAN! I am SUCH a KLORBAG!"
Jinx giggled and pointed to an item on the shelf, "How about that one?"
"I'll be masturbating, Jinx, not trying to impale myself." Raven replied dryly as she turned the control of a product called the 'Wondervibe Playmate' up to full. It almost made her hand numb holding it.
Jinx turned away from the two foot long pink monstrosity she had been inspecting and wandered over to the couples section of the sex shop they were in, "What do you think Robin and Star would like better; a massage set, or handcuffs?"
"Robin already has handcuffs." Raven pointed out.
"Not fuzzy padded ones in leopard print, he doesn't." Jinx held up the cuffs in question.
Raven arched an eyebrow, "I'd get both, just to be on the safe side."
Jinx nodded happily and picked up the massage kit as well, "Have you made a decision yet?"
"I think I'm going for the 'Impulse Five Dream Maker.'" Raven set the Wondervibe down and picked up the blue vibrator she had decided on, "Let's get this stuff and get out of here. That guy in the corner looking at the inflatable sheep is making me sick with the nose picking thing."
"Uh...." Jinx glanced at the over weight balding man in question, "Yeah."
They quickly made their purchases and left the Smooth Touch Adult Store, laughing about how surprised Robin would be when he saw Star with fuzzy handcuffs.
Raven had dressed in a form fitting red spandex shirt with the kongi for 'darkness' printed on it, over which she had thrown her black leather bomber jacket. Her pants were tight, dark blue jeans, cuffed to expose her ankle bracelet and red Converse sneakers.
Jinx had gone with a short black skirt that fell to just above her knees, and calf high black boots. Her top was a sleeveless pale violet that set off her bright pink hair, which she had pulled up in a top knot. A thin gold chain with an amulet of Shen.
Raven found Jinx's choice of Egyptian amulet to be interesting. It represented the sun and it's orbit, meaning long life and a bright soul. It was often placed on the bodies of the dead to ensure their eternal life in heaven.
As they walked down the street to the coffee house parking lot where Raven had left Robin's R-Cycle (she had taken it again at Jinx's insistence) Jinx glanced across the street and saw a record store, "Oh! Raven look!" she pointed to the sign in the window, "They have the new Blinding Strobe album! I'll be right back, okay?" and she dashed off across the street and into the store before Raven could even reply.
"Whatever." she shrugged and leaned against the wall of the building she was standing in front of, right next to a wide ally way. As she waited, a muffled scream reached her ears. Instantly on alert, Raven dropped her bag and turned down the ally. It curved around after fifteen or so meters and opened up into a small court yard behind the bike repair shop that sat on one side of the ally.
Lifting off the ground and silently gliding down the ally way, Raven peeked around the corner in time to see a young man with a scar running down his cheek zipping up his pants. A girl lay on the ground in front of him, her limbs splayed out around her, and her clothes tossed off to one side. The young man spit on her.
"That's what happens when you tease too much bitch." Raven's eyes narrowed and her blood boiled. Most rape victims never came forward and accused their attackers, thinking themselves to be dirty, and convincing themselves that they deserved what they had gotten. This guy most likely knew that, and was about to walk away from ten to twenty years in a state prison.
He started to saunter back towards the ally when Raven swooped out in front of him and landed, her eyes glowing with sinister black energy. He stopped suddenly, his face contorting in fear. When Raven spoke, it was with a low, deadly tone.
"You have no idea how serious a situation you are in right now. You've committed on of the worst crimes in the world, and I'm going to see that you pay for it. I'm giving you five seconds to convince me not to kill you where you stand."
"Uh... uh.... uh...." the punk had suddenly lost any sense of articulation, "Uh... please don't kill me?"
The black light faded from Raven's eyes and she cocked her head to the side with a surprised expression on her face, "Well snap! That just blew my argument straight to shit! I mean, it didn't stop on the way for NOTHING. Just blew straight to shit. I mean, pure, unrelenting shit blowage here." she shook her head, "The unadulterated blowosity of the shit boggles my mind."
The man started to edge to the right in order to run around Raven. She simply turned with him, "And you wanna' know something? That pisses me off. Right the fuck off. As in gnawing through someone's still living flesh pissed right the fuck off."
Sinister red light suddenly poured from her eyes as she floated off the ground, wrapping the rapist in black tendrils of energy, "I don't LIKE having my shit blown straight to shit."
"Please!" he screamed, "I'll go quietly!" he stuttered uncontrollably for a moment, terrified by the sheer horror that was Raven, "I'll never do anything wrong ever again!"
"It's a little late for that now." Raven squeezed his body as she pulled his arms in legs in different directions. Laughing as she heard his bones pop out of joint, she pulled harder, listening to his screams.
The half naked woman lying on the ground regained consciousness then, and the first thing she saw upon waking up was her attacker, suspended before her, being tortured by unearthly black energies.
She began to scream as well.
Raven, four eyes burning in hellish delight, slipped further and further away as the Seed took over. Anger bubbled from every pore, and rage seethed unchecked through her body. This man... this thing deserved to die. To be tormented. To be-
"RAVEN!" turning her eyes to stare down the ally, Raven saw Jinx dashing towards her, "Raven, put him down!" she hurled a wave of pink energy at the building next to the psion, bringing some brick down at her, "NOW!"
Raven dodged the brick and laughed at Jinx, "Stay back, foolish girl, or you too will feel my wrath!" and Jinx found herself being flung back and away from the enraged psion.
The woman on the ground, stopped screaming abruptly as the courtyard was filled with a sick crunching and splattering noise. Blood rained down on her and she stared for a few seconds more, her mouth opened in a silent scream of pure horror, before she passed out.
"RAVEN!" the dark haired girl spun around just in time to be tackled from mid-air by Jinx. They hit the ground hard, Jinx on top, blasting the air from Raven's lungs. She struggled to sit up, her eyes still burning with unholy light, but Jinx stayed sitting on top of her, "Raven!" she growled, "Snap out of it!"
"I'll destroy your soul!" Raven attempted to lunge at Jinx, who shoved her back down with all her strength.
"Graaa!" Jinx hauled back a fist, "I said SNAP OUT OF IT!"
As Jinx's fist slammed into her face, Raven regained focus for just a moment before her head hit the ground, blasting her into darkness.
Closting Notes: That wasn't so bad was it? The 'Shit Blowage' bit comes from The Life of Riely webcomic on ClanBob dot net. It's down right now for a site overhaul, but should be back up soon. I love that rant so much, and the comic it's self is awsome, so I decided to put it in as a little homage. The three pannles that house that rant are actually my current wall paper on my desktop. :)
StarryRavenFire- Ivy is one of my favs too. She seems like the most sane of the Gotham baddies. :)
MOOgoestheCHICKEN- Cut back on the suger a little maybe? Or did you make some of my Brain Juice Kool-Aid? My girlfriend and I were friends with benifits for a few months before we actually started 'going steady.' It's lasted seven years now, so hey, we did something right. :)
NalaravatheRed- Waffles are God's gift to mankind. That and Ramen. The cheep, 15 cent Raman. It keeps me alive. :)
Stolen Valkyrie- Your encoragement is priceless. Thanks. :) This chapter was meant to provok more confusion then thought, but I get to have fun next chapter explaining things. Then I get to REALLY start the good stuff. :)
robinstar- My most vocal Rob/Star shipper. You hate me right now I know. You wont as soon as the next chapter is up, I promise. :)
Bonekhan- Glad you made it back, I missed you. :) Creepy is my middle name (actually, it's James) and I LIKE writing psyco Raven scenes for that very reason.
Taiba- Maybe Jinx and Beast Boy wont happen in YOUR little world, but you're playing in MY little world now! : P Things get interesting from here. Keep reading, and I just might suprise you!
dbzneon- Did you catch the forshadowing in this chapter? Your dreams just might come true someday. But I'm not gonna tell you one way or the other yet, sorry. :)
Kokuryu- I just LOVE well thought out reviews. I've gotten several this time around, but yours stood out to me for some reason. I think you really grasped what I was trying to convay with the Bruce/ Robin relationship, and that's cool to me. Review again! No pressure or anything.... :)
Heaven's Angel- Oh! Don't stop reviewing just because I already know how much you love me! Praise me praise me praise me! Tell me I done good! I CRAVE ATTENTION! Oh, hope no one actually died for this chapter. That would suck. And don't kill me either. Please? :)
Everyone else who reviewed- Thanks! Your kind words keep me going! Even if it's just a line saying good job and update soon, I love to hear from you. Thanks!
Next chapter- Jinx yells at Raven, Raven hides in her room, Beast Boy and Cyborg are more confused then ever, Robin gets the suprise of his life when Starfire shows up in Gotham City, Babs mopes, then cheers up, more Joker Hunting, Robin calls on an old friend for help, and the Titans get their first REAL fight in months.