Disclaimer: I own no part of the Teen Titans or their associated canon nor, any other already copyrighted material.

(A/N): Moving right along. This is much longer chapter than the previous. Don't know why. Maybe…two more chapters after this one. Most likely two.

Chapter 8

Breathe the Free Air

Starfire awoke nearly bouncing off the walls in joy. She was amazed she had been able to sleep she was so happy. They were going to a 'formal' party. It was still three days away and she was growing more excited every second. As she showered and dressed a list of things she needed to do raced through her mind. She needed a new dress and shoes and… Her train of thought was broken by a knock on her door. Flying over to it she quickly punched in the opening code. It slid open to reveal Robin, looking uncharacteristically nervous. "Friend Robin!"

"Uh…morning Star."

"What can I for you do on this glorious morning?" His hand quickly appeared from behind his back holding a small bouquet of flowers.

"Well…these are for you…" She slowly accepted the flowers, both surprised and overjoyed at his gift. A massive smile lit up her face and she took a deep whiff of them. "And I was wondering if you would like to go to the party on Friday…with me?" She looked at him confused for a moment.

"But…are we not already going to the party together?"

"Yes. I meant…as a couple."

"Like…a date?" He nodded sheepishly. She exploded in joy and grasped him in a bear hug. "Yes! Of course, yes!"

"Good." He managed to gasp out with a strained breath. She realized what was happening and quickly let him go. "Now…what do you say we go get some breakfast?" She nodded enthusiastically and he soon found himself being dragged down the hallway. A moment later they arrived in the kitchen where Raven was already seated, tea in hand.

Cyborg snapped awake on the metal slab that had been his bed for a few years. He didn't need it but he had slept in and was only awake now due to the COM screen chiming at the side of his room. Popping up he his the answer button to reveal Bumble Bee. He checked his clock. 9am, that would make it noon in Steel city. "Yo, Bee. What's up?"

"Morning Cy. I just wanted to check something from last night."

"Shoot."

"When Speedy told you guys about the party…did he mention it was a couples only event?" Cyborg's mouth fell open.

"No…he definitely forgot to mention that…"

"It was going to be a costume party until someone realized 'What's the point?' So they made it couples only for some reason"

"And the League is going along with this?"

"Hey, for free food they'll do damn near anything. Wayne's putting it on at one of his other properties. It's on the West Coast too. Who could resist?"

"Yeah…Raven's gonna go crazy. Robin said she had to go."

"No biggy. Superman and Wonder Woman are going together. It's not like it matters, they're just doing it to go."

"Okay…thanks. I'll pass that along to the others…"

"No problem. However…I still don't have anyone to go with. Care to escort me?" His eyes shot open.

"Damn, you don't screw around, do you?"

"You didn't answer the question."

"Isn't it traditional for the man to ask the woman?"

"Tradition be damned. And you still haven't answered the question." He considered it for several seconds.

"Certainly Miss Bee. It would be my pleasure."

"Excellent. I'll be by at six. Have the T-car ready."

"Hey…What now?" The screen flashed off before he could respond. Still slightly stunned he rose to deliver the news to his teammates.

Beast Boy awoke unceremoniously by falling off the edge of the bed. Rubbing his arm he extricated himself from the mess of blankets that had accompanied him. Switching to a cat he began his morning stretches. He struggled to his feet, scratching his ass through his boxers. It was hard to wear boxers with the uniform…but at night he didn't mind the extra room. Mechanically working through his shower he tried to remember what was on his plate for today…other than tofu. That party was in three days…that meant he would need a tux. Or something formal at least. He thought about showing up as a monkey in a monkey suit. Somehow he didn't think the others would approve.

Well, that meant a trip to the mall. He hated getting dressed up, it always made him feel like a fraud. At least in the uniform he was Beast Boy. It made sense. But him, in a tux? Just didn't play. Well, Robin was get him there one way or another. Might as well go the easy way.

Cyborg was going to have to get a custom tux, his massive shoulders would never fit in a normal one. Star would be getting a new dress and so would…Raven. The thought of Raven in a dress intrigued him. He had always seen her in uniform. She was going to fight that hard. Well, Robin would get his way in the end. If she was feeling generous he might even survive it.

Right now he felt like hitting the training room. He had started doing an hour a day just to shut Robin up. That had quickly turned into two hours because he wanted to. He had to admit the results were worth it. His physical abilities had increased quite a bit. He was faster, stronger and his reflex time had shortened, an ever-vital asset in his constant video game war with Cyborg. He had even begun developing a layer of muscle over his thin frame.

Slipping into another pair of boxers, sweat pants, black beater and a pair of beat up tennis shoes he headed for the kitchen. Glancing at the clock he was surprised to see it was only a quarter to eight. Arriving in the empty common room he whipped up his tofu and sat to eat wondering where the rest of the team was. Throwing his dishes in the washer he headed for the training room. As he neared the door he heard a massive explosion of joy. 'What the…?' He listened for a minute…it was Starfire. 'Now…what could make her that happy?' He snapped. 'Of course. Rob must have finally gotten up the nerve to ask her out. Probably to the dance…'

Stepping into the training room he walked by the CD player. Automatically grabbing Meteora he threw it in and grabbed the remote. The pounding beat of the CD was the kind of music he liked to exercise to. It jacked up his adrenaline levels without even having to do anything. Switching to a kitten and then ever larger forms he stretched every muscle he could and warmed up. He approached the set of four punching bags and stood in the middle of them. He hit play and tossed the remote to the side.

The music pounded through the room as he exploded in a flurry of strikes, moving from one bag to the next, two at once, and then all four in a series of combos. After several minutes he jumped clear and headed for the treadmill. Activating his preprogrammed series he started running as a human, then a dog, then faster and faster animals as the speeds increased. Switching back to human he headed for the weight bench. For this he stayed human, else the point was lost. Finishing with his last set he headed for the mat to practice his jumps and falls.

It was a while later, during his mid workout rest and recharge break, while he was guzzling a third bottle of water that he heard a massive yell. "WHAT?" It was unmistakably Raven. He was surprised not to hear an explosion that would have usually followed. That training had really paid off. He wondered for a moment what could have caused that particular outburst. He'd find out eventually. Shrugging his shoulder he swished the bottle in the garbage and hit play on the remote, ready to go through his routine again…double time.

Up in the kitchen, the three Titans that hadn't shouted were slowly rising from the cover they had managed to find. Robin and Star peaked over the couch while Cyborg rose from behind the kitchen counter. Raven was standing in the center of the room, both hands clad in black taloned bracers. "What do you mean it's 'Couples only'?"

"Hey," Cyborg's hands shot up defensively, "I'm just the messenger." Raven calmed down the best she could, bracers dissipating.

"Then I'm not going."

"Raven…you have to go. I already promised we'd all be there." She turned and looked at him with a death glare.

"You're telling me I have to go Boy Wonder?" Her voice was cold and deadly. He managed to fight off fear long enough to respond.

"Yes." He waited a moment and when he didn't die… "Please?" The anger in her died down again as she took a deep breath. Floating back toward the door several feet her hand stabbed out, finger like a dagger right at him.

"You are going to pay for this." She floated back out the door, hair whipping as she turned. When the door slid shut again the three still in the room let out a deep breath of relief. Cyborg looked over to his leader.

"I thought for sure she was going to kill you."

"I'm just glad she didn't."

Raven stalked through the halls silent anger carefully contained within her. Not only did she have to go to this stupid party, she had to go with someone. Robin and Starfire would go together. Bumble Bee would force Cy to go with her… That meant the only other person in the tower without a…date…was…Beast Boy. Crap. Glancing around she realized she was wandering randomly. He anger had cooled down to resignation. She knew what she had to do. Checking the computer system terminal she found out where Beast Boy was. Dropping down though a few floors she arrived at the training room.

Stepping in her eyes searched for Beast Boy. The speed metal music assaulted her ears as she found him moving like a blur amongst the punching bags. She watched for several moments as he launched a rather impressive assault of the stationary targets. He began to slow as the music wound down. He came to full stop as the music came to an end. Turning toward the treadmill he finally saw her. He overcame his momentary surprise and a hint of fear crossed his face. Of course. He must have heard her scream. He bent down and picked something up as he took a few steps toward her. Cutting of the CD player as the next song started he waved.

"Uh…Hi Raven."

"Hey." They stood in silence for several moments.

"So…" He was trying to be upbeat. The adrenaline coursing through his veins still had him jumpy. "I uh…heard you…a little while ago…anything wrong?"

"Oh…yeah…sorry about that. I might have overreacted."

"Least nothin' exploded." She looked up surprised and smiled when she realized it was true.

"You're right. I didn't notice that."

"So…what was it about?"

"Oh…I just found out the party Friday is couples only." He looked pole axed.

"It's what?"

"Couples only." His face fell.

"Oh man! Not only do I have to wear a monkey suit, I have to find someone to go with! Sometimes I think it would be easier to stay a dolphin with all the hoops I have to jump through around here."

"Hey! You're not the only one who has to deal with this nonsense. I have to wear a dress." The disdain she put on the word made her feelings on the matter perfectly clear.

"Maybe I can sneak off…"

"You'd have to have a date that would sneak off with you and not tell Robin."

"Correction, I need a date first. Then I can worry about coercing her. What about you? Got anyone in mind? Aqualad?"

"Right… I'm sure he'd just cut out on a party. Don't you dare mention Speedy," she said as his mouth opened.

"I…I was gonna ask if you wanted to skip out on the party too."

"Yeah. I don't want to go in the first place."

"Well, then. It seems to me that the perfect solution is that we go together."

"What!"

"Think about it. We both want to skip out early, we both need a date, and we're sure as hell not gonna tell Robin about each other." She nodded considering. "And as an added bonus we can screw with Robin a little."

"What do you mean?"

"Okay. No one's going to believe we're going as a couple, right?"

"I suppose not…"

"Okay, so what we do is play it like we're and actual couple." Her eyes shot open in surprise.

"We what?"

"Hear me out. What we do is this…" He sat down on the bench where she joined him a few moments later. As he explained the plan that was even now forming in his mind a wider and wider smile formed on her face.

It was just before lunch when Beast Boy finally reappeared in the common room. He had been hiding out all morning waiting for the timing to be perfect. The other four were sitting around the room, Rob, Star and Cy were watching some bizarre cooking program while Raven hovered in a corned reading. Robin turned as he walked in.

"Hey Beast Boy. You just get up?"

"No dude. Been up for a while. Some of us hit the training room." He used the comment specifically because he knew it would annoy their leader. All he got was a raised eyebrow though before Starfire leapt to his side crushing him in an even more enthusiastic hug than normal.

"Hello friend Beast Boy! Is it not a glorious day?"

"Uh…yeah Star…great. You're certainly…energetic." She released him and floated backward, beaming at him.

"I am waiting for the joyous event coming soon!"

"Uh…right…that's in like three days. You're going to explode if you keep this up."

"She's been like this all morning. And I thing Robin knows why…" Raven's deadpan cut through the room unexpectedly. They all turned to Robin.

"I…uh…I sort of, might asked her out…on a…"

"A DATE!" Starfire finished ecstatically.

"Oh…" Beast Boy nodded in comprehension. "So you two are going as a couple?" She nodded enthusiastically and flew over to Robin, very nearly snapping his arm as she held it tight. Cyborg turned back to the green one.

"Don't have much of a choice. It's couples only."

"It's…what?" Beast Boy could see the evil joy Cy was taking in springing this on him.

"Couples only. Which means you have to find someone to go with."

"Oh man!" His face and then his whole body fell dejectedly. After several moments of letting Cy and Robin revel in his torment his body snapped back to its normal position and he looked to where Raven was sitting, several feet in the air. "Raven, honey?" The other three froze, not sure if they had actually heard correctly. Had he just called her 'honey'? As one they turned to Raven, expecting a massive explosion and possibly a horrible end to their green teammate.

"Yes, dear?" She answered without missing a beat and without looking up from her book.

"Would you care to go out with me on Friday night? I know this great party…"

"You mean," she continued, still staring at the book, "like a date?"

"If you want to call it that."

"I will call it that." She cocked her head in thought for several seconds. "Sure. Of course…that means I'll need a dress."

"Yeah, an I need a tux. To the mall?" She nodded, marked her book, set it down on the table and they both took flight from the common room, Raven and…raven, headed for their rooms.

For a good five minutes the other three sat in shocked silence staring at the door. It was a while before anyone could speak a word. Robin and Cyborg finally spoke at the exact same time as they looked at each other. "What. The. Fuck."

Fifteen minutes later Beast Boy and Raven met on the roof. Beast Boy was dressed in a pair of dark jeans, white T-shirt and a dark windbreaker. Raven wore black cargo pants, a loose black shirt, blue hooded sweatshirt and a baseball cap pulled low over her eyes. Her hair was pulled back in a tight ponytail gathered at the back of her neck. When she arrived Beast boy couldn't help but stare for several minutes. None of the clothes looked like they had ever been worn. Especially the stiff cap.

"You…have regular clothes?" She cocked an eyebrow, slightly annoyed.

"Yeah. I just never wear them. Takes too long to switch back if we get a call." He shrugged in response.

"'Kay. Hey, did you see the look on Cy's face? That was priceless!" He nearly exploded laughing. She chuckled herself.

"Serves him right for springing it on us like he did."

"This is gonna be so much fun!" Stepping back he jumped the edge of the tower and took off as a Condor. Pulling up her hood she followed him. Cruising over the city they made a beeline for the Jump City Mall. Touching down in front of it, Beast Boy reverted and they walked in. They both instantly decided that twelve thirty on a Tuesday was the perfect time to go shopping. Save a few power walking senior citizens the building was near empty. Heading for the directory boards they glanced over the multi sided maps and found the specialty stores they were looking for.

"Right…here." They said in unison, pointing to completely opposite parts of the map. They turned to each other. "Split up?" They again said in unison, each nodding to agree at the same time. They then stood in silence for several seconds, neither willing to be the first to talk. Finally Beast Boy spoke.

"Jinx!" Raven wheeled around, hands encased in black energy.

"Where!" Not finding the pink hared girl anywhere she turned back. Beast Boy looked confused.

"No…I meant…never mind." He turned back to the map. "Okay…we'll split up. Say we meet…at the north food court? Say two hours?"

"Two hours," she agreed. In her best impression of Robin she whispered, "Titans, GO!" They both got a good chuckle out of that as they headed their separate ways. Raven slowly made her way to David's Formal, each step more tortured than the last. She had agreed to go along with this, but as she crossed the threshold of the store she seriously considered backing out. She almost wished Starfire were there to help her look, almost. Looking over the racks and rack of formalwear she stood bewildered. She had no idea what she was looking for.

As if sensing her turmoil a petite sales associate appeared beside her. Black pants, white blouse and blond hair past her shoulders, it instantly struck Raven how much the girl looked like Terra. It left her mind when she saw the girl's face though. Though she had welcoming smile, she wasn't the bubbling brook of joy Terra often had been. According to her name tag she was Alice. "Looking for something special?" Her voice was serene and somehow calming. Raven felt inexplicably at ease.

"Uh…yeah. I'm…going to a party on Friday. Formal party."

"And you don't have a thing to wear?"

"You could say that."

"Well…best to start at the beginning. Do you know your size?"

Raven opened her mouth to reply and then realized she didn't. It had never been an issue before. "Uh…no…I…I'm not really a dress kind of woman." She expected some sort of comment from the clerk but all she got was a nod.

"Well then…come this way." She led raven back to the dressing area. "Okay…I'm going to need you to take off you shirt to get an exact measurement." Stunned for a second raven complied. As she took off the hat and sweatshirt the associate dug out a tape measure. Laying her folded T-shirt on a bench beside them she stood and waited. A second later the girl's hand began flying around her measuring every conceivable feature. Just as she was becoming annoyed the girl stopped and stepped back. "There, all done." She glanced up to Raven's purple hair, then the jewel set in her forehead. "Wait a minute…I've seen you on the news! You're Raven!"

"Uh…yeah."

"Never thought I'd see you here. Well, best get to the dresses. Wait here, I think I know just the one. I'll grab a couple extras to give you a choice." The girl slipped through the door and back out into the store. Raven blinked a couple times. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all.

Beast Boy stared at the reflection of himself in the mirror and felt the fool. It wasn't a tux…but it was damn close. A black jacket and pants, over a white buttoned shirt and white under shirt. The top button was undone to give him a slightly disheveled apperance. Hard as he tried he couldn't make himself put on a bow tie. Chris, his 'personal consultant' had just arrived with a pair of black spats. Working his feet into them he again turned to the mirror.

"Well, how do I look?" Chris apprasied him the same neutral expression he had had when Beast Boy had wandered in. The man's relaxed attitude had instantly put him at ease.

"You are sure you will not wear the…"

"Sorry, nope. Me and ties…not my thing dude."

"In that case…ya look good."

"Excellent. I don't really want to go to this thing…but I made a deal with a friend. We both go and then cut out. Least I can do for her is not look like a doofus."

"You must care for her a great deal to do such a thing." Beast Boy was surprised by the comment.

"Uh…yeah. I guess I do." He stretched a little. "Guess I'll take it. Digging through his other pants he handed over his debit card. "Well, that didn't take too long…" He glanced at his new watch. 2:25. "Crap! I'm gonna be late!" He ran to the dressing room and began shedding clothes, switching into his civilian outfit. Chris returned with the card and realized what was going on.

"Here," he handed the card over. "Go, I'll wrap it and you can pick it up later."

"Thanks!" Beast Boy snagged the card and tore off through the store into the mall. His steps rang through the still nearly empty mall and he raced toward the food court. Arriving he quickly scanned the tables and counters for Raven. After checking twice he was surprised she wasn't already there. Catching his breath he grabbed a seat and waited. Seconds later she rounded a corner and spotted him. Her hood was up again covering her capped head. In her left hand was a bag apparently containing a shoebox at least and her right was holding something over her shoulder. She sat, hanging a long vinyl bag on a spare chair, setting the other near it and glanced up at the clock near the edge of the court. 2:30 on the nose.

"Been waiting long?"

"No…no. Just got here myself. Took longer than I thought it would. Even with Chris's help."

"Chris?"

"The dude at the store…cleark or whatever."

"Right…so thought about lunch?"

"I was just gonna get a salad." She cocked an eyebrow in response. "I'm getting kinda sick of pizza and they don't serve tofu."

"Fair enough. Make it two." His eyes widened in surprise. "No chance of tea I suppose…"

"Not drinkable. Water okay?" He stood and took a slow step toward the counters.

"It'll have to do." He nodded and headed over to order. From the darkness of her hood Raven glanced around at the few people sitting around, eating lazily. Must be nice to come to a mall and be able to just hang out. She could feel the demon blood coursing through her veins. The cost of power. Well, she did live in a massive tower on an island in the bay with a spectacular view and her own huge room. Everything was a trade off. A young couple leaned close together talking secretively to each other. She watched them intently from the shadow of her cap.

It was for moments like this that she fought. So the rest of the city could live normal lives. People fought…and died so that they could have what she couldn't. Just going to the mall with her boyfriend was beyond her. Her thoughts trailed for some time until a light nudge on her arm brought her back. Beast Boy set the tray down and sat.

"You okay? You seemed sort of…out of it." He passed over her salad and black plastic fork.

"Yeah…yeah. I'm fine. I was just thinking…"

"About?"

"About…what we give up so people can lead normal lives. What Alex gave up…"

"I know. After…I wondered if I could have done the same in his position. He gave up his very life to save others, and to protect people that had never met him. I know we've had some tough fights…but we've never had to face certain death. He didn't even flinch. I can see why you liked him." Her head shot up.

"Liked him?"

"Well, yeah. You spent so much time with him I figured you two had something going." She blushed ever so slightly, and it was hidden by her hood.

"No…"

"Oh…sorry. You did like him though, didn't you." It was rare for Raven to talk at all and he wasn't going ot let this opportunity go.

"I…I don't know. I enjoyed his company…and I thought we might spend more time together…but beyond that… He was…I don't know…distant I suppose. Like there was one part he showed everyone…and the rest he kept hidden…"

"I know what you mean."

"What?"

"You just described yourself Rae."

"I…I'm not…"

"Maybe not intentionally, like Alex was. But you are distant."

"I…I have to protect people. I can't get close." Now he had her off balance.

"Protecting people is one thing, you push them away before anything can start. Come on Raven, we've fought hundred of villains, we can take care of ourselves. Now, granted, your powers are on a whole other level, but you wouldn't hurt us on purpose. We know that. Please…we want to get to know you better. I want to get to know you better." Here eyes slowly rose to meet his.

"Why? What's the point?"

"Why? Because you're my friend! Because I care about you! Because I think in some crazy alternate universe we could be more. I just want the chance to find out. Why do you think I spend so much time bugging you?"

"You're a masochist?" Her head was spinning, her mouth on autopilot. More than friend? With Beast Boy? 'Why not?' a small voice inside her said. 'You've always been there for each other.'

"Oh, no. You're not going to sarcasm your way out of this one. It's because any reaction, a smile, a sneer, you throwing me across the room, at that time, for a split second, I can see the real you. Under the ice and serenity I can catch just a glimpse of Raven. It makes it all worth it." He tore the top from his container and began devouring his salad, leaving her alone with her thoughts. She autonomically began going through her own salad.

Reason after reason appeared in her head and was explained away for why she acted the way she did, even toward the team. Finally she was left with the reason she spent half her waking hours in meditation and quiet reading. She looked up to Beast Boy, who had finished and was taking a long drag on his drink. When he noticed her he stopped and swallowed hard. Her eyes must have been even more expressive than she felt. He leaded forward and waited, eyes inviting what ever she might wish to say. After an eternity passed she spoke. "I don't want to hurt you Beast Boy." He contemplated this for about half a second, as if he already had an answer waiting, expecting exactly this response.

"And I don't really want to be hurt. But I'm willing to risk it if you are. All I want is a chance. If it doesn't work out…eh…at least we tried." He let his words sink in for several moments before slowly extending his hand toward her. "What do you say?" She stared into his eyes…and waited. She could hear several voices telling her all the reasons it it was a bad idea, all the things that could go wrong. One by one she quieted them until a lone voice was left. She didn't recognize it, but she had a shade of an idea where it came from. All it said, in a half whispered voice, was 'go for it.' Slowly, infinitely slowly, her hand rose and crossed to clasp his. A smile broke across his face.

"So. I guess this makes Friday a real date?'

"Looks like it."

"Does that mean we have to stick around for the whole thing?" Beast Broke into an even wider and mischievous smile.

"Oh hell no. We are cutting out first chance we get."

"Speaking of cutting out…we should probably head back to the tower."

"Sure. I just have to grab my stuff." Dumping the garbage they both walked back to the men's store, Beast Boy offering to carry her bags. She handed over the shoe bag but held onto the other, not trusting him with it. Arriving at the store Raven waited outside while BB entered to find Chris. While he gathered his purchases the 'consultant' glanced to where Raven was standing.

"That her? Can't see much…but I imagine whatever's under that hat is worth it."

"Uh…yeah. You're not gonna…tell anyone…are you?"

"'Bout what? I haven't had a customer all afternoon."

"Thanks."

"No problem. Just come back next time."

"Will do."

Slipping quietly into the tower they stowed their packages and returned to the common room. For the next three days it was a horribly complicated dance they both did with their teammates. Doing their best to display their usual combativeness when each other's presence they managed to avoid being pinned downed by any of their friends. Beast Boy most often used something to the effect of 'I don't think Raven would want me to tell you that…why don't you ask her?' to block many questions. Raven simply avoided people or faked meditation to avoid answering questions. For three days it was a dance on pins and needles, until Friday evening finally arrived.

Cyborg and Robin had each found a tux and had already left with their dates, Bumble Bee and Star respectively. Beast Boy had dressed and was nervously pacing the room, waiting for Raven to appear. Except for the occasional stolen moment they really hadn't talked much the last couple days. He had noticed that she bit back more of the comments she usually directed at him just as he had spent less time annoying her. He really didn't know what the two of them as a couple would be like, but he was willing to find out. He turned back from the window when he heard the door slip open…and his jaw hit the ground.

Raven looked…unbelievable. This was the first chance he had to see the dress she had bought. It was dead black silk that hugged her body. From the spaghetti straps over each shoulder to the skirt that ran down to mid calve and was slit up just above her left knee, it enticed and hypnotized him. It was a full minute before he could say anything, much less hold a coherent thought. When he did manage to speak it was simply, "WOW!" She smiled serenely. She took several steps forwand and he realized she was wearing stiletto heals.

"So, I take it you approve?" All he could do was nod dumbly. "Good. You don't look half bad yourself." He mouthed more than said 'thanks.' "Shall we go? I doubt Robin would be happy if we were late.

"Uh…right!" He shook himself several times and managed to return to some sort of coherent thought. "Let's go!" Nearly bouncing to the roof he held the door for Raven, who slipped her cloak on as she exited. "Awwww…" She just rolled her eyes at him.

"Wait until we get there." She floated a bit into the air, and was encased in black energy. Her raven self took off and was soon joined by a California condor for the flight to the JLA party.

Robin and Starfire on the R-cycle and Cyborg and Bee in the T-car tore along the mountain road, headed for the party side by side, as if racing. Robin could feel Star sitting sidesaddle, leaning against his back holding him. At first it had been hard balancing out the weight difference but with a slight lean he had nailed it. His prime concern right now was whether Raven and Beast Boy were going to show. They had both said they were going to be there…but…

Cyborg hit the gas coming out of a turn and listened to his passenger. "Raven and Beast Boy? Never saw that one coming."

"Me neither. Almost makes me wonder if the whole thing isn't an act."

"An act? Why would they do that?"

"Just to mess with Robin? Neither of them were particularly keen on going, but now, not only are they going, they're going as a couple."

"Seems like a lot of work just to mess with the man in tights."

"Yeah…it does…" Rolling up to the mansion and parking the two pairs were surprised to find Raven and Beast Boy waiting at the front steps for them. Robin looked the most surprised.

"How did you two beat us here? It's a half hour drive!" Raven hit him with her normal icy glance.

"Not as the crow…or should I say raven…flies."

"Yeah," added Beast Boy, "now are we gonna go in or just stand out here and freeze?" A cool night breeze blew through as if to emphasize his point. They headed in pairs up the massive front stairway where they found Alfred waiting at the door.

"Master Robin, a pleasure to see you this evening."

"Thanks Alfred. Team's all here, just as I promised."

"Excellent. My master is waiting within and would like a word with you when you have time."

"Will do." They filed into the mansion. Raven handed over her cloak as she entered. Robin turned to thank her for coming…and froze. Wondering what he was doing the rest of the team and Bumble Bee turned to look, and froze as well. After a moment Raven smacked them back to reality with her ice-cold monotone.

"Could we move along? There's a party here." Shaking themselves they shuffled forward enough so she could stride past carrying Beast Boy, who had a shit-eating grin on his face, in her wake. They stared after her for a second until they disappeared into the crowd. Neither Robin nor Cyborg had the guts to say anything with their dates right there. Oddly enough it was Starfire who spoke first.

"I believe in your Earth Language…the proper response is 'DAMN!'" The others nodded still surprised.

Breaking into pairs they made the circut of the room, mingling and making small talk. Raven and Beast Boy did their best to be seen without being noticed. It was when Beast Boy went to get them some punch that she was finally pinned by Wonder Woman. They were standing against a wall next to each other looking out over the crowd and the empty dance floor.

"Not used to heels?" Raven looked over surprised.

"Is it that obvious?"

"Only to the women. The guy attention is focused…elsewhere."

"Great…" She suddenly felt very exposed and wished for her cloak.

"Take it as a compliment. You do look good in that dress."

"Thanks…so do you."

"I've never been much for formal parties…but sometimes I just grin and bear it. Least you have a guy that's paying attention to you. Supes has hardly glanced at me all evening. I know we're not really a couple, but it would be nice if he'd try a little."

"I…guess it is nice." Just then Superman did appear and asked for a dance as the music changed to a slower tune. He led a surprised Wonder Woman away toward the floor. Raven turned her head to see Beast Boy approaching…

Beast Boy filled a second cup from the bowl as Aqualad and Speedy appeared on either side of him.

"So," Aqualad started, "You and Raven huh?"

"Yeah…" Beast Boy started uncertainly, wondering where the Steel city titans were headed with this. Speedy gave him an idea.

"Never figured she go for somebody so…"

"Immature? Short? Young? Foolish?" Aqualad said helpfully.

"Green." Beast Boy's eyes rolled.

"Uh…huh. Speaking of dates…where are your fine ladies?" They both looked sheepish.

"Well…uh…you see…the thing is…"

"They ran off?"

"YES!" They whined in unison.

"Well it was Aqualad's fault. He freaked out at the buffet."

"Do you have any idea haw many of my friends were probably on that table?"

"It's not like there was much you could do for them!"

"Like you were helping, with your constant flirting!"

"What?"

"You and the Flash must be in a race to see who can get shot down the most tonight!"

"Why I'm goin'…" Beast Boy carefully backed away from the pair and headed back toward Raven. He reached her just as Superman and Wonder Woman were headed for the dance floor. He handed over one of the cups and took a sip from his own.

"It's not tea," she said, "but it's not bad. So…want to dance?" The question caught him so much by surprise that he nearly spit out his punch.

"What!"

"Well, we have to be here for a little while, might as well have some…fun."

"Never thought I'd hear those words from you. Sure." He held out his hand, which she took and they walked to the large dance floor already occupied by several couples. She automatically followed his lead and soon they were circling round the floor with the others. Beast Boy was a surprisingly adept dancer. After several minutes Raven overcame her surprise enough to speak.

"Where…did you learn to dance?" He hesitated for a moment before answering.

"From…my mother." Again he paused. "When I was little she used to like to dance with me around the house. Guess I never really forgot how." The smiled and slowed to a stop as the song ended, joining the light applause for the band. It was in that brief second of silence that a crash came from the punch table. Looking over they saw Superman and Batman restraining Aqualad and Speedy from lunging at each other. Beast Boy watched until Raven leaned over and whispered to him.

"I think that's our cue to scram." He nodded in reply and they wove their way to the back of the gathering crowd and up to the deserted balcony at the back of the house to make their escape. It was only when they were halfway to the ledge they realized they weren't alone. Off in one corner sat Robin and Starfire, paying absolutely no attention to anything other than each other. They were locked in a rather passionate kiss, which fortunately had Robin's head pointed entirely the wrong way to see them. They froze though as Star's right eye slid open. After a second she winked at them and made a get out of here motion with her free hand. Raven mouthed 'thank you' as they reached the ledge and took off, Raven and condor, quickly dropping into the shadows of the night. Raven realized too late she had left her cloak behind, but she wasn't about to go back for it.

(A/N): If you feel it is warranted feel free to review. I welcome any and all opinions.