Day 21-
She awoke to the sound of a rapid knock on her door. Not the usual heavy one like Cy. Or the persistent one of Jinx. Not even the bored one of Robin. Light and fast.
Raven rolled off the chair and headed for the window after glancing at the clock. 9:04. Looking out the window she spotted a tall petit girl with long red hair to her lower back. Her skin had a strange sort of orange tint to it. Her eyes a shocking green.
Cocking her head to the side Raven made her way to the door. Opening it, the girl's eyes widened with delight and a huge smile framed perfectly white teeth.
"It is so nice to finally meet you, Raven." The girl chirped and wrapped her arms around Raven in a bone-crushing hug. "I have heard so much about you. You are almost the exact picture of what I was expecting. I am so thrilled to finally meet you." And with that she let out a shrill screech and wrapped Raven in another firm hug.
"Uh huh. And you are?" Raven asked finally getting out of the death grip.
"Oh, I am sorry. I am Star. Robin's… cousin." She said holding out her hand.
Raven took it. Star's grip was strong.
"You must come to breakfast with me." Star said grabbing Raven's hand and began to drag her from the house.
"Actually, Cy usually comes here and cooks me breakfast." Raven said pulling back.
Star's expression went from delight to pure glee. "Joyous. Will the others be joining us as well?"
"As in who?" Raven said in monotone.
"Everyone. Robin, Jinxie, Terra and BB."
"Dunno, probably, probably not and doubtful." She said listing them off in order.
"When will they be arriving?" Star asked from the doorway.
Raven had made her way back to her chair. "Soon I would think. And you can come in."
"Thank you." Star made her way to the couch next to Raven and sat.
Every movement she made seemed bouncy and chipper, Raven noticed. She seemed to glide across the floor. And she was way too cheerful. But she fit right in to the Grounds.
Before there was time for too much more discussion, the loud heavy knocking sounded on Raven's open door.
Raven turned to see Cy's grin. Raven nodded his entrance. Jinx followed close behind.
Star jumped to her feet and ran to Cy. "Cy. It has been so long since I have seen you. Have you been well?" She asked hugging Cy.
"I'm good Star. Yourself?"
"I have been most pleasant. (She turned and hugged Jinx) And how are you Jinxie?"
"Not so bad. How long will you be here this time?" Jinx asked with a small smile.
"Only through the weekend, sadly. Oliver and I have some business to attend to."
Raven cocked her brow.
Cy leaned in and whispered. "Her husband."
Raven nodded.
A shadow appeared in the door. They all turned.
"Robin!" Star screeched and lunged for a hug.
Robin smiled. "Hey Star. When'd you get here?"
"Not so long ago. I first decided to visit your fiancé. She is most wonderful." Star said with a glance to Raven.
Robin looked to Raven with a smile too. And a slight nod.
Raven frowned a bit but before she could say anything, Cy interrupted. Intentionally, Raven guess.
"How about some breakfast? What are you in the mood for, Rae?"
Raven watched Star for a moment before turning to Cy. "Anything."
Cy made his way to the kitchen. Breakfast consisted of stuffed French toast with fresh strawberries.
"I have a great idea." Star peeped.
They all looked to her.
"We shall make this a girl's day. Just us four. Then we will all get to know each other better. We shall go to the mall of shopping, then perhaps to get our portraits taken at the beach, and tonight we shall have a celebration of sleep and share our innermost secrets. Will that not be most exciting?"
Raven narrowed her eyes. Girl's day. 'Joyous.'
"Sure Star." Jinx said with a smile.
Raven noticed the change in her voice. Still a happy one and the smile was not forced either. But there was some bitterness in there as well. Raven guessed the fourth would be Terra. And that was what the bitterness was about.
On the other hand, it would work out great for her. Raven had been meaning to spend some 'quality time' with Terra anyways. This would be the perfect opportunity. Though, the secret sharing, shopping and beach didn't sound so great. Which put a damper in the whole day really. But what could she say? No?
So Raven nodded.
Star jumped up. "I will go inform Terra of our fun filled day." And she ran out the door.
They all watched her go.
And the silence fell.
Raven eyed her other guests. And her eyes ended on Robin.
"She's a bit extreme." He commented. "Doesn't have a mean bone in her body."
"Does Terra have to come?" Jinx whined.
"I don't think it'll be so bad." Raven said playing with the possibilities in her mind. Maybe while sharing their 'inner most secrets' Jinx's hatred for Terra would be revealed.
Raven glanced to Jinx. Her face was contorted in a mixture of disgust and stress. "She can't be that bad."
Jinx said nothing.
Raven looked between the boys. Cy was playing in his plate of syrup while Robin seemed to be deep in thought.
And the thought ran through Raven's mind briefly. To solve this entire secret keeping predicament, I could just take a dip in each of their minds, do some exploring and get out before any of them realize what I'm doing.
She entertained the thought for a while, until she felt their eyes on her. She hadn't noticed a smile had formed on her lips during the thought.
"What are you so happy about?" Robin asked with his normal arrogant smirk.
Raven noted it was the first thing, besides the greeting to Star and an explanation on Star, that he had said all morning. He always seems distracted. "Nothing. Just had a thought."
"Do share." Jinx said happily.
Raven looked to her. She vaguely knew about her powers. And what it felt like to have someone in her mind. Of course she didn't know the extent of them. What she could do. And Raven could make herself so light that Jinx wouldn't notice her in there. She'd think it was only a mere memory.
Raven shook the thoughts from her head from the inside. "Just about… is Star always so happy?"
A quick change in topic would do nicely. And hopefully they'd grasp at it.
"Yes. All the time." Robin stated.
"Why?"
Robin shrugged. "She's been like that for as long as I can remember."
They left not a moment too soon. Raven was getting a bit bored of them this morning. Cy was off in his own little world, not participating in much of any conversation, Jinx was dwelling on her day in the same vicinity as Terra, and Robin was so deep in thought, that when anything was said in his direction, it would have to be repeated at least once before he could give a proper answer.
Raven had showered, lotioned herself, brushed her teeth and dressed. Now she ran a brush through her hair slowly. Meeko sat on the vanity in the bathroom holding a towel.
"You know, there's something really weird about Star. She just seems so… different. Not that any of us seem normal. Except maybe Robin. And I'm not convinced he's all-normal either. After all, there's a lot I don't know about him." Raven mimicked with a small wry smile.
Meeko made a few clicking noises.
"Don't try and tell me you're normal. Raccoons aren't supposed to be green."
Meeko make a movement like a dog chasing his tail before he turned back to face Raven again.
Raven laughed. "I guess if everyone here's abnormal, we're all normal here, right?"
Meeko made a single head movement like a nod.
"And you. Its almost as if you understand what I'm saying. Is that normal?"
Meeko stared at her as if he had been found out.
Raven smiled. "See. I'm right. Now you're going to try and act like a normal wild raccoon, is that it?"
Meeko slowly shook his head before making it a fast movement.
"Don't worry, Meeko. I like that you're intelligent. Then I don't feel so foolish for having a conversation with a raccoon." Raven set her brush on the counter and turned to leave. "As long as you don't tell me you've been able to talk all this time while I've been suffering with all these questions." She laughed.
The raccoon waited until he heard the front door shut. He jumped from the vanity and scurried cautiously until he was in eyesight of the door. Raven had left. And so had the raccoon. BB sat in his place with a frown.
Slowly he made his way to the window. He could see Raven walking a short distance a way. She was shortly joined with Jinx. BB watched them from the anonymity of Raven's home.
"I should just tell you everything. All of their secrets. But is there a way to do it without giving mine away?"
(A/N- I've decided, since this is AU and all, that BB is normally going to be a bit out of character. Otherwise he would be hard to fit in. And he has a big role in this story. Sorry if it disappoints anyone.)
Then he let a bitter laugh escape his throat. "Then I'd be a hypocrite. Reveal all their secrets and keep mine. What a great friend I am."
BB turned away from the window and looked around the room. The window above the sink was still opened for his pleasure. Or rather, Meeko's pleasure. It was then that he made up his mind to tell Raven whom he really was. That BB hadn't really been avoiding her this whole time. In fact, he had spent almost every night with her.
Of course, revealing himself could lead to a lot of problems. He had seen how Robin reacted to the thought of him being here. He was already convinced that Raven was his. And even though his promises were made, Robin was regretting them. BB saw it in his eyes.
That didn't mean he wouldn't carry them out. Fortunately, Robin was very trustworthy. Sometimes easily manipulated, but that's a whole other story. Another secret. One that might just get told tonight.
BB turned back to the window. Raven and Jinx had been joined by Robin, Cy and Terra. Only a few hundred yard away. Close enough to guess the conversation. Close enough to make accurate observations.
The group was in a somewhat closed in circle. Cy had his back towards BB completely. Terra was mostly facing away as well to Cy's right. Robin was standing next to Terra at a bit of an angle. Jinx came next fully facing BB and then Raven at another slight angle.
Conveniently gaped so BB could get a clear shot of almost everyone.
Robin was talking right now. All eyes were on him. His averted to the ground. Then darted between Raven and Jinx. Jinx made a comment and a chuckle passed through the group. All heads went down except Raven's. Raven seemed to eye them all individually and then came to rest on Terra. Raven's head moved to the side a bit.
No one seemed to be talking. But someone was. Raven had nodded. Perhaps it was Terra. That could be the reason she was looking at her. BB watched.
Robin had looked up. He was watching Raven. Almost absently. But intently too. BB wondered how long he had been watching her? And then why nobody saw it.
BB smiled. Someone did. The mistress. Jinx was fixedly watching Robin. Her expression was far from vacant.
It became suddenly clear that she never really had gotten over him. Nor did she want to.
And then BB laughed.
"Let's play a game. What's on your mind?"
He concentrated on Jinx for a while. Studied her expression, her attention, her attitude when she'd talk.
"Jinx is obvious. She still wants Robin. Somewhat oblivious to the fact that he is, if not completely, then pretty damn close to getting over her." BB stopped while he watched her smile in Robin's direction. He shared it vaguely but was very dim. So BB looked back to Jinx. Her smile still lingered. BB nodded. "And you have some wild idea that once we all get to America and they are divorced, your romance will blossom once more. Painfully obvious."
Jinx's eyes flashed to Terra. BB's followed.
Terra was self-occupied eyeing her four friends. BB guessed she wasn't really paying attention. She did have her mischievous smile on. But that was her trademark. Always had the smile. And right now BB guessed it was her good luck to cause Jinx discomfort all night. That's where her eyes often ended up. On Jinx.
For a few minutes longer BB watched Terra in silence before he made his comment. "You would like to see Jinx to squirm all night. The thought of teasing her about your… accomplishment… gives you great joy. And I wouldn't be surprised if you let a few secrets slip. Bring up a few that Raven doesn't even have suspicions about. And I don't put it past you to let a few juicy tidbits on Robin surface either."
BB frowned. Even if the rest of his game was wrong… he was almost one hundred percent certain on Terra. She was pretty predictable.
Terra looked to Raven as she began to talk. BB followed with his eyes.
Raven did a good job keeping her voice and face expressionless most of the time. But her thoughts were simple to guess. Mostly because she voiced them to Meeko.
"You know every one is still holding some kind of secret. It's just too evident. They all give each other looks during certain discussions. When a specific topic is brought up, the subject is changed. So you in return withdraw more and more." BB sighed. He knew his fate with her would be the same if she found out he was really Meeko.
BB looked to Robin. All eyes were on Cy now. Except Robin's. He watched… whom? Raven.
"And you're just pathetic. You fall for the new girl every time. Terra was more than brief. Jinx thoroughly. And now Raven. Of course Terra went along for giggles. Jinx cooperated all together for her own interest. But you wont be so lucky with Raven. You don't know the half of it. She trusts you the least. And especially once you told her of you and Jinx. Jinx, who's her age. Stupid. You should have left certain details out."
BB watched him for a few more minutes. He didn't look away immediately when Raven caught his eye. Instead he held the gaze for a few minutes before breaking it and looking to Cy who was talking. But his attention went back on Raven when Raven's eyes went to someone else.
"And you're completely oblivious to the fact that she'll never give you the time of day. You're wasting your time, Rob. She doesn't think you're some saint like everyone else around here does. She knows the truth. Your still a boy." He said the last sentence with a smile.
Then he took brief enjoyment in the fact that Raven trusted him, or rather him in a raccoon shape, more than any of them. And if he planned it right, she still would after his secret was blown.
BB watched them all for a time longer. He didn't bother to play his game with Cy. With his back turned towards him, there wasn't any way he could read his expressions or anything.
So the time went on. The group slowly dispersed. The boys going one way, the girls another when Star found them. Still BB stayed and stared out among the two groups as they went their separate ways. Robin had watched them go. Or rather watched Raven go. And when he and Cy had turned, Jinx glanced back.
"How sweet. A wonderful little love triangle. And you'll all end up broken hearted. Except perhaps Raven, who's pretty intent on keeping you all on a side burner."
Every one was out of sight now. But he still watched the outdoors. Thought about all the things he'd tell Raven once he was able. When the time was right. And if it was too much longer, all the different ways he could without revealing himself.
As he turned away he thought about all the secrets. And about Raven's. She had a lot of secrets too. So why was it that he found it necessary to criticize the others for keeping them from her and not her for keeping hers from them?
"Simple." He answered himself out loud. "They all have each other. She's alone."
"BB"
BB looked down to the green walkie-talkie on his hip. His name was repeated. Picking it up he talked back through it. "Yeah."
Quickly BB shifted and jumped through the window over the sink as he listened to them talk. "Where are you? What are you doing?" He stopped in a little patch of grass in the woods and sat watching Raven's house.
"Sitting and breathing." He answered dryly.
"You still p.m.s.ing?" Cy asked.
BB smirked. "You still being a dick?"
The line was dead for some time.
----
Raven heard the short conversation through Jinx and Terra's walkie talkies. Though never actually meeting BB, she imagined him quite clearly now having heard his voice for the first time. A normal teenage boy. A little taller than herself. Mysterious. And now with a voice to match her image and an attitude to go with it. Raven smirked.
But then she rethought her image. Normal. I just had this discussion with Meeko. No one here is normal. So BB must not be normal either. So to her image she added horns and a tail. There, she thought with another smile. Now he's normal.
"What're you smiling about?" Terra asked with a grin as well.
Raven looked to her. "That was BB on your radio, right?"
Terra nodded.
"Is he always that…" Raven trailed off looking for the right word.
"Rude?" Jinx asked. Raven glanced to her. Her face was that of annoyance.
"No. I was thinking more along the lines of assertive."
"He was being rude." Jinx stated.
"Why? Cy can harass him but he cant dish it back?" Raven asked with a bit more defense than she really meant to.
Jinx looked to her for a long time. Raven felt Terra smiling next to her.
"Actually, they had had an argument somewhat recently. And they're all still holding a grudge. BB's just not letting them walk all over him." Terra said with a breezy air.
"BB was being a jerk." Jinx said in defense as well.
"You're all just mad that he doesn't fall into putty with all your opinions. The lot of you. You think you're high class around here and those of us who choose to live our own lives are below you."
"And you don't? BB was out of line. You weren't there. Don't pretend to be the advocate." Jinx hissed.
Terra was smiling. Raven watched from between them. Terra looked to Raven. "You see, BB's the only one who isn't a Cinderella case here. So he doesn't find the need to treat Robin like God. Where as everyone else does."
"He saved your ass, too, from an orphanage." Jinx barked.
"Actually, he saved me from burying a few kids. But call it what you will."
"Terra, you think that just because…"
"Friends, please let us not fight anymore. This is going to be a fun day." Star said entangling her arm with Jinx's.
Jinx immediately stopped talking. Raven glanced to Terra. Her smile dance in triumph. Raven couldn't help but smirk. Maybe Terra wouldn't be so bad after all.
I can drag you along through the whole day. Or I can get right to the good parts. I'll compromise. A brief summery:
The four girls went to the mall. It was filled with an over cherry Star dragging them from store to store. Terra seemed to be happy as well. Jinx on the other hand was still completely annoyed. Steaming. And Terra would give her smirks every now and then to help it along. Raven was amused.
The beach portraits that Star had suggested were a bit more out of Raven's interest than she had even predicted. There happened to be a camera shoot going on down at the beach, photographing local teens having a good time. Raven stayed as hidden as she could.
And now we get to the slumber party. This is taking place at Star's suite for the night.
They were all taking turns changing in the bathroom. Raven was the last. She made her way in with her little back packed equipped with nightclothes and accessories. She was in the middle of brushing her teeth when she heard the muffled start of a conversation.
Raven turned off the water and turned looking for the source. Under a few piles of clothing was a walkie-talkie. It was yellow. Which meant Terra's.
"BB." Cy called in annoyance.
For a long time it went on like that. BB not giving a response. So Raven turned to continue attending to her task at hand. Until BB made his appearance.
"What?" Was the bored reply.
Raven smiled at it.
"You busy?" Cy asked.
"I'm always busy."
Again a break in the chatter.
"The girls are doing a girls thing tonight, Rob thought we should get together too. Like we used to."
"I don't think so."
Raven sat. She couldn't help but decide to like BB. Horns, tail and all.
"Don't you think it's time we get over this?"
"There's nothing to get over. Seems to me you're just trying to find someone to take out your frustrations on."
Raven smiled. BB seemed to be quick witted. Never needing time to think of a fast answer.
"Come on BB. Rob wants us to meet him at the shed in ten minutes. Be there."
"I'll pass."
"You don't have a choice, little man."
Raven's vision of her horned boy shrunk a few inches. But then she realized Cy was taller then all of them. So they were all little. He grew again.
"Actually I do."
"How's that?" Cy growled.
"1. I'm off the clock. 2. It's Saturday. 3. I'm busy. 4. I don't answer to Robin. He doesn't employ me. 5. Even if he did, this sounds like a personal meeting, which is not included in my job description. And 6. I just don't want to."
Raven laughed a bit. Go BB.
There was a knock at the door followed by, "Raven, you ok?"
Raven shot to her feet and tossed the radio on the pile of clothes as they started talking again. Raven didn't make out the words. Opening the door, Terra stood in shorts and a small tee shirt. She had a soft playful smile.
"Yea, I was just-" Raven began to answer.
"BB."
They both looked to the radio.
Raven nodded and looked back to Terra's knowing smile. "Listening to their argument." Raven finished.
"Sounds fun." Terra said slipping in to the bathroom. She turned on the water as Raven closed and locked the door.
Terra motioned for her to come over. She did.
"…Rob. I don't want to be a part of your pity-me session. I have more important things to do."
"What's gotten into you? You're turning into an asshole." Robin snapped.
"Well, someone should be. Can't go letting you have all the fun."
"You think I do nothing but have fun all the time?"
"Let's see. Free money. Free education. A family who loves you. Friends who think you're amazing. And the girls. You got two already. And now you're trying for your third. So, yea. I'd say fun."
"Watch it." Robin growled.
"Come on. Wouldn't life be so much easier if everything was out in the open?"
"I mean it BB."
"Relax, Dude. They having this girl thing, remember?"
"And you know two of the have radios."
"Why would they want to hear us when they have Star to fulfill their time? You're not the center of all their universes. You don't expect them to all love you, right? Just the one. Who I guess might be listening."
"What are you talking about?"
"Uh huh. Play dumb."
"Quit being a dink and tell me what the hell you're talking about."
"Alright. You must be completely blind if you haven't seen it already, but she is nowhere near done with you. She's still completely and utterly in love."
"What? Who?"
"What kind of question is that? Who? Come on."
"You're delusional. She knows that it would never happen again."
"Yea, before this new found plan to end it. Now she has hope. And now there's a way for you to be together. You really hadn't noticed?" BB said a bit amused.
There was quiet. Raven glanced to Terra. She was smiling and looking out the window.
Raven tried to guess why she always seemed amused at the expense of others. What could have happened in her life to make her that way?
"Ok, BB. Are you coming over or not?"
"Not."
"Why?"
"Please listen. I'm tired of repeating myself. I have better things to do."
"Like what? More spying?" Cy came back on.
"Sure." Raven imagined him rolling his eyes and shrugging.
"Why are you being like this?"
"Is your world going to end if I don't hold your hand tonight?"
"You're such a dirt bag." Cy hissed.
"You wonder why I don't want to waste my time with you."
"Come on BB. Just for a little while." Robin pleaded.
"You're just mad because I don't come running with my tail between my legs like every one else does when you call. You know you do Cy. We all know why Jinx does. And Terra's already gotten what she wants from you so you stay right away from her. Face it, besides Raven, I'm the only one you can't control. And it bugs you."
"I never try to control anyone. Especially Raven."
"Don't give me the whole 'good intentions' speech. I don't care. I don't want to hear your defenses on Raven either. I've already heard them loud and clear. Give it a rest. You're not fooling me or her."
Raven narrowed her eyes.
"What are you talking about?"
"Listen, I'd love to do this with you all night, but I really do have better things to do. See ya."
"BB."
No answer.
They called for him a few times. But the line was dead.
Terra picked up the radio and toyed with it for a moment. Raven could only imagine the thoughts going through her mind. And she must have decided to go along with them. She opened her mouth and stuck out her tongue slightly as she looked up to Raven. She brought up the radio and pushed the talk button with her thumb. "You know Robin, you really should be more careful where you have these conversations. You never know who could be listening."
There was a lapse in conversation for a few short minutes. "Terra?" Came Robin's voice.
"Uh huh." Terra cooed.
"I thought you were with the others."
A wicked smile crept to her face. "Oh, I am."
Raven could just imagine Robin's eyes get wide with horror. Raven smirked just a little.
"What do you mean you are?" He growled quietly. But not only growled. He was stressed too. Horrified, just like Raven pictured.
"Just what I said. I'm here at Star's suite."
Terra stayed watching Raven. Raven glanced from her to the radio.
"Tell me you're joking." Robin said in almost a whisper.
"Good night, Robbie." Terra sang into the radio.
"Terra!" Robin yelped through.
"Touché." Came the voice of BB.
"You're all a bunch of jerks." Cy snarled.
Terra turned off the radio. And after a brief moment she turned to Raven. "Ready to get back to the others?"
So many things were swirling through Raven's mind. So many questions. And she was sure she could get answers out of Terra. Even if it was Terra's whole goal to hurt them all, she'd still tell the truth.
Raven nodded.
They reentered the living room. There were blankets and pillows and stuffed animals strewn all around. When Star said 'celebration of sleep' she really meant it.
"Oh, wonderful. We are all here. We may now begin the ritual of sharing."
Raven collapsed next to Jinx on the floor. Jinx was eyeing the two of them suspiciously. Raven didn't even look. Terra did it all for her. With the taunting smile. And the teasing wink.
"Who would like to go first?" Star asked with excitement as she jumped into a cross-legged position.
Terra sat next to her leaning against the couch. "I will."
Raven could feel Jinx shift next to her.
"Who wants to ask me a question?" She said looking almost directly at Raven.
Raven got the hint. But it was too easily taken. Star chimed in first.
"I will." She rocked back and forth as she thought of a suitable one. "Since you are not of the married sort, who is it that you would like to be with?"
Raven frowned. Not the kind of question she would have chosen.
Terra smiled all the same. "Well, since I have three guys to chose from…"
"You do not have to know him." Star said with a giggle.
"In that case, I would have to say… the new super hero Speedy. He just seems naughty."
Star bounced a bit and giggled again.
"Now I get to ask, right?" Terra said innocently.
Star nodded vigorously.
Terra gave a devil grin. "Jinx, what's your long term goal for America?"
Raven fought back a smile. According to the bits and pieces she had picked up from the recent radio conversation, she knew exactly what Terra was asking.
Jinx forced a smile. "To be prosperous and comfortable in a neighborhood with my friends. To be able to help people. To have an exciting and enjoyable life."
"What about a husband?" Star asked completely oblivious to the trap she had set.
Terra widened her grin.
Raven watched Jinx. Jinx eyed her a bit before glaring at Terra.
"I don't know yet. Hopefully fate has something in mind."
Star smiled. "Your turn to ask, Jinxie."
"Ok. Do you plan on having any children, Star?"
Star nodded fast. "I do wish to have at least one child. Oliver would like three or four. We shall see."
"Did you choose to marry Oliver?" Raven asked forgetting this game.
"I did not. But I figured I should make the best of the situation I am in." Star said with a small smile.
"Don't you ever want to make your own choices? Live your own life?" Raven asked with some damp disgust.
Star looked at Raven for a short time while she considered the questions. "Sometimes. But since that is not exactly probable, I just go along with it. Oliver is a good man. He treats me well and tries to make me happy."
Raven weighed her statement. But she didn't have to ask her next question.
"So what's your love life like?" Terra said with a grin.
"Terra." Star squealed. "That is private."
"You wanted to share our inner most secrets, right?" Terra asked with a manipulative smirk.
"I suppose so." Star said a little shy. "Well, it is good. Oliver is gentle." Star's cheeks were now a rosey shade of pink.
"Does he please you?" Terra asked.
Star reddened. "Yes." She said quietly.
Terra bit her lip with a wide smile as she looked at Jinx. Raven glanced that way too. Jinx was doing her best to stay completely out of this conversation. She would not make eye contact with any of them. Avoided everything at all costs.
"Since I had to answer, you all should answer the same questions." Star said confidently.
Terra watched Jinx closely with her sly grin. Raven had to hand it to her. She knew how to make people play into her hands.
"Sounds good. My love life is on vacation at the moment. But I'm sure it'll be picking up in the near future. And the experiences I have had have been utterly amazing." Terra said emphasizing the last.
The whole time Terra talked, she watched Jinx. Raven turned to watch Jinx as well. She was filled with rage again. Her fists were balled, jaw clenched and eyes narrowed as she watched Terra in return.
"Raven." Star asked.
"Sorry, I'm outta this dream boat." Raven said pretty relieved of the fact.
"That leaves you Jinxie." Star said with an innocent smile.
"I don't have a love life." Jinx stated simply.
"But you did at one point, didn't you? Or am I mistaken?" Terra said in a would be guiltless voice.
Jinx's eyes bore into Terra. "Fine. It was great. I'm sure better than yours. We had feeling behind it. What did you have? Exploitation?"
"Actually, lust. And that makes everything better." Terra chimed.
Raven tried to figure out what they were talking about. Or who. Jinx was obviously referring to Robin. But whom was Terra talking about? Did they have some kind of game between them? Perhaps a bet? Is this why Jinx hated Terra so much? Over a bet? Who's love life was better?
"Ok. Lets have another group question. Who would like to ask it?" Star chirped through the tension.
Raven couldn't help but shake her head. Star was completely ignorant on the whole riff between the two of them.
"I got it." Jinx said. "What's the worst thing you've ever done to someone else?"
"You have to answer your own question first." Star instructed as she thought of her own answer.
"Fine with me. When I was seven I stole a man's wallet. He had given me a warm place to sleep and clean cloths. Food. But it wasn't enough. I knew I had to get through the next week. To stay alive. So I took the money from his wallet."
Star cocked her head to the side with sympathy. "I believe my worst would be… when I was a young girl, I pushed my older sister down a slide. She broke her arm. I lied and said I had no idea what happened. Everyone believed me."
Terra made a little pout in sympathy of Star. "Raven would you like to go next?"
"Umm… I never knew a lot of someone's, so the worst thing I have ever done would be… when I first found out I was getting married under 'God's will' I shredded His Book. Then burned the rest. The ashes I put in the wood stove for my wonderful loving parents to breathe in every day."
The room was silent. Star had wide eyes and mouth open. Jinx was just staring at her. Terra on the other hand was smiling pleasantly. "How wicked."
Raven returned the smile. "I thought they deserved it." She said with a shrug.
"I don't doubt it. I guess that leaves me. Last year I played a prank on BB. I put dye in his shampoo and he turned neon pink for a week. I didn't realize the dye was semi permanent."
Star giggled.
Raven imagined the image of BB she had in her mind neon pink now. She laughed a bit as well.
Jinx on the other hand was not satisfied. "That's the worst thing you've done?"
"Yes. Wait… Yea it is."
Jinx was seething.
"Raven I believe you have not asked a question yet."
Raven looked to Star. "I want everyone's deepest darkest secret. Mine would be the night I watched a man on the side of my street murder someone. Then he looked at me. He seemed to have four eyes. Red eyes. And he smiled the creepiest, most horrible smile I have ever seen. I never told anyone. Even when it hit the newspapers." Raven watched everyone's expression damper. Even the smile on Terra's face flashed.
"Wow." Star said quietly. And there were a few seconds for that to settle. "I believe mine would be… remember the guesthouse I stayed in two summers ago when in disintegrated? (There were nods) Well, I caused it. I don't know exactly how, but I did it."
"Huh." Terra said.
And there was quiet.
"Terra or Jinxie? Who would like to go next?"
"I'd love to." Terra said sitting up straighter. "I think my deepest darkest secret would be… let me think. Well, since I don't normally keep secrets, my own secrets anyways… would you consider letting me tell someone else's? Mine aren't all that big. The worst have absolutely nothing to do with me."
At first there was a huff from Jinx. Raven was ready to consent to having Terra tell whatever she wanted, when…
"It has to be your secret." Jinx snapped. "And I'm sure you have at least one that we'd all love to hear."
"Alright, alright. When I first got here I had a huge crush on… Cy."
Star giggled and hugged a pillow. Just like a girl.
Jinx flung herself back. Still not satisfied with Terra's answers.
"Jinx." Terra coaxed.
"I intend to have everyone of your secrets revealed so everyone can see the snake you really are." Jinx hissed.
Star blinked a few times.
"O come now, Jinx. No one will take you seriously. We all know you've hated me sense we met. Why is that?" Her voice was condescending. And a wicked smile played there nice.
"Because you're a manipulative, arrogant, two faced, back stabbing, slut who enjoys nothing more than hurting other people."
"Ahh… who heartfelt. Actually we have to be friends first before I can stab you in the back and since you never gave me a chance from the time you met me, there's now way I could have done that. And I wouldn't go so far as to say I'm a slut. I've only been with one more person than you. And just remember, it takes two to tango. Maybe he just wasn't getting enough satisfaction from you."
Jinx was on her knees. "You only got him from taking advantage of the situation he was in. You're such a bitch. Tell everyone the truth Terra. Stop acting the like victim."
"Truth is in the eye of the beholder. And the truth is, you just weren't good enough to keep him from temptation."
That was the last straw. Jinx lunged. She dove into Terra knocking them both to the floor. Raven watched all the while putting little pieces together in her mind. Terra was helping her decode all these secrets. Intentionally. Meanwhile getting under Jinx's skin. Double points for Terra.
Star was on her feet in an instant tearing them apart. It took seemingly little effort on her part. When she had succeeded in splitting up the fight, Star stood between them.
"I think we have shared enough. Let us now just sleep, shall we?"
Jinx was breathing heavily. Terra grinning. Both shot daggers at each other.
Day 23-
Raven lie awake in her puffy chair thinking and petting Meeko. She had already told him everything about Star's slumber party.
"Let us recap. BB's his own person unlike everyone else here. No one seems to like it. Jinx still has every intention on getting back with Robin when we get to America. Star either plays really dumb or she's just easily confused. Terra is a manipulator but she works for herself. And the destruction of others. She likes her secrets spilled. And others secrets spilled. My question is, why do they tell her if they know she can't be trusted? Or did all this 'stuff' happen before they found out she cant be trusted? So many questions and no one to answer them."
Meeko had been lying pretty still on his back while Raven rubbed his stomach. Raven guessed he was listening.
"I know you're intelligent. So communicate with me. Tell me what you think."
Meeko rolled over. I know all the answers, he thought. But just not how to tell you.
"Never mind. I've been asked to meet everyone at Cy's house for breakfast. My stove is being repaired. Recalled some part in it."
Raven stood in front of the ajar door to Cy's house half an hour later. Cy, BB, Jinx and Robin were having a heated discussion.
"You should have seen her. She had every intention of letting it all out. And Raven's buying right into her sweet act." Jinx complained.
"Terra's not the enemy." BB insisted. "Stop acting like you're the victim. It just kills you that she might be right. And that she might just want to get all your secrets out in the open so Raven can decide for herself who to trust. You want her trust, try telling her the truth. Tell her everything you're hiding. Then we'll see who she really wants to trust."
Raven tried to move so she could see BB. Unfortunately he was behind the door. But his shadow showed no sign of tail or horns. Raven's image went back to the drawing bored.
"Knock it off, B." Robin insisted.
"Sorry, Rob. Didn't mean to upset your mistress."
"She's not my-"
"My bad. You prefer girlfriend? Lover? Partner? Significant other? We know wife is out."
"What's your problem?" Cy bellowed. "Why do you have to act like this?"
"Me? Why do you all take his side when anything comes up? You have your own mind. Think for yourself. You're not his puppet."
"I don't act like I am. He just happens to be right. Raven doesn't need to know. It has nothing to do with her. You really do have a thing with Terra. Don't you? That's why you say she's right all the time."
"See? Always go for the low blows. Cant fight fair can you?" BB said.
"Fair? Is it fair that you threaten to share our secrets?" Jinx hissed.
"I never once said I was going to tell anyone. I said you should. Who's manipulating who's words now? And Terra just happens to be right. She won't tell per se. She'll just give subtle hints and set traps so you accidentally spill. After all, none are really her secrets. And the one that is, she's be forbidden to voice because of our caring 'Young Master Drake'."
Jinx went to talk but didn't make it that far.
"And another thing. Secrets just another word for lie. You have to cover something up, so you make up a story. Then you have to embellish that story all the time while trying to remember what you said to begin with. So you all just lie to Raven. Every chance you get. And you want trust. Friendship. Do you really deserve it?"
"You sound just like Terra now." Robin groaned.
"One more hint on a Terra relationship and we're going to have a problem. I told you before, I don't do seconds."
There was a thick silence now. BB's shadow disappeared.
"I'm really beginning to hate him." Jinx huffed.
"I don't know. I think I like him." Raven said opening the door with a semi thoughtful expression.
Everyone's eyes were on her in an instant. All trying their best to act casual.
"How long have you been there?" Jinx asked surprised.
Raven took a seat in one of the stools. "Long enough."
Again with the silence.
And it lasted till breakfast was over. Raven had been frustrated all this while that she kept missing BB. But now she didn't mind. She had heard his voice. And she liked that he wasn't a 'puppet' as he put it. And it made perfect sense. And Terra. Raven thought she had misjudged Terra. She might not be someone you can trust. But she was definitely someone to go to when you wanted to know something.
"The other night at Star's. What Terra said. I hope you know she's only doing this to hurt me." Jinx tried to explain.
"Right." Raven said.
Without looking up, she felt Jinx eye Robin and Cy.
"I mean it. She's never liked me. She's always had it out to get me."
"You, you, you. I think you might be misleading. She's the only one around here willing to tell me the truth." Raven headed for the door. "But seems that someone has locked up all my resources. No matter. I can be very manipulative too." And she was gone.
Silence in the Cy household once again.
"That went well." Cy tossed a bowl in the sink.
"What are we going to do, Robin?" Jinx said exasperated.
"Got me. But she doesn't need to know. Why is it always a big deal? I had her pleased with what I told her. One visit with Star and I'm back where I started."
"Star didn't mean to." Jinx said in Star's defense.
"I'm not blaming Star. Or Terra really. No one I guess. We have too much of a past. Who knew it would come back to haunt me?"
"Haunt you?" Jinx asked quietly.
Robin looked at her. "Yes. Don't you understand? My past is causing my problems in the present. I need to get along with Raven. I want to get along with Raven. For both our sakes. We have four long years together, no matter what the plan may be. Four years is a long time. In the same house. Alone."
"So… you want to try… with her?" Jinx asked quietly.
Robin had averted his eyes. But he looked back. "I do. She's not a bad person. I like her."
"But you'll be free of her when we get to America. Free to do other previously made plans." Jinx said with a quiet hopeful tone.
"Jinx, we're over. I'm sorry. But we are. I can't give you my attention anymore."
"Cant or wont?"
"… Wont."
"So this is it then?" Jinx hollered and stood. "Just like that?"
"Not just like anything. It's been two years."
"You said you'd never stop trying to find a way. We have a way. We can be together again." She pleaded.
Robin shook his head. "I… don't think so." He said quietly. "I already see you differently now. I sulked on not being able to get out of this for so long that I gave up hope. And now, I think I would like to get to know Raven."
"What does she have to offer you that I don't? She won't give you anything. Anything. Doesn't that bother you?" Tears were streaming down her face.
"Right now, no. But like I said, four years is a long time."
"No. You can't be with her. You cant." She wailed.
"Jinx, stop." Robin said frustrated.
"I WONT!" She screamed and stormed out.
But never made it two feet from the outside of the door.
"Raven!" Jinx said surprised.
Raven raised her brows.
Robin and Cy came through the door shortly after.
Raven looked to both of them to with an almost invisible smirk.
Robin stared at her for a long time. Jinx made time and time again to say something. Cy eventually backed himself out of the area and back into the house.
"What I said in there…" Robin began.
"By all means, don't explain. I heard quite a bit already." She turned to walk away. A hand stopped her.
"Raven." Robin said quietly.
Raven stopped her exit but didn't turn around. "Let go of me."
Robin did. And Raven turned.
Robin looked to be trying to say something.
"What?"
"I…"
"I said I didn't want an explanation. So unless you have something new to say, I don't want to hear it."
"I want to explain."
"What's there to explain? Jinx has every intention of being with you after we get divorced. You say no and that you want to give me a chance. But you don't bad enough that you're still willing to lie to me about everything."
"I haven't lied to you."
"I don't know. I like BB's theory on secrets."
"Raven, I don't want to be with Jinx again. I want to try to have a relationship with you." And suddenly his new intentions were made quite clear.
Raven cocked her head to the side for a minute with a dry smirk. "And what about what I want? Ever consider that? I know it doesn't matter. I'm a puppet too."
Robin rubbed his eyes. "How long were you listening?"
"Long enough." Raven repeated.
"Just tell me so I can tell you what it was about."
"No. You want to tell me things. Start from the beginning."
Robin looked to her with almost pleading eyes. Don't make me do this, he seemed to be saying.
Raven wouldn't give. You want me, tell me all of it. Every detail. Unless I really don't want to know in which case I'll stop you. But don't hold your breath on having me in return. You ruined that chance long ago.
Their eyes stayed locked. Jinx watched with tears still.
The car was quiet. Raven and Jinx hadn't said much since their encounter a few hours ago. Unfortunately they were to spend a while longer together. Alone. At the first fitting.
Raven had been surprised that her dress was back already. She thought it was supposed to be at least two months before it would arrive. But then again, this was the Drake family. They were different. After all, there is no limit with what money can do.
On the way home Jinx had attempted a conversation. Raven gave her the shortest answers possible. When she would answer anyways. Eventually she gave up and they rode on in silence.
They arrived in front of the main house. Talo was there waiting.
"Miss Raven. How was your trip?"
"Just fine thank you." She said with a kind smile.
"I am to inform you that Miss Tayfler could not make it here tonight."
"Too bad." Raven shook her head in mock disappointment. She couldn't help but notice a tiny smile form on Talo's lips.
"But she has set up a conference call for you and young Master Drake in thirteen minutes. Might I escort you?"
"Lead the way."
And they were off. Through the mansion and to a large office in the rear of the house. Where Robin sat lounged in a chair with his feet on the desk. He seemed to be deep in thought.
Robin stood when he saw her.
Talo bowed and left.
They sat in quiet until the phone rang. Of course it was Miss Tayfler.
"Good evening. How was your fitting Raven?"
"Hunky dorey." She answered with a sarcastic chirp.
"O good. The dress was the right color, fit alright, the right style, everything?"
"Couldn't be better." Raven said again in mock happiness.
Robin eyed her a little.
"Great. I have only called to put a few thoughts in your mind. Next meeting we are going to need to order wedding accessories. Cake cutters, glasses and so on. Also it's about the right time to book your honeymoon. So decide on a location and we'll work out the details a bit later. See you in a few days." And the line went dead.
"Honeymoon?" Raven asked a bit more horrified than she felt.
"We don't have to go on one if you don't want to." Robin said hanging up the phone.
"Why would I? You know what a honeymoon is all about."
"Yes and I know what most of the wedding is about and what its supposed to signify. We've messed that all around, we can do the same for the honeymoon."
"I'm not going on a honeymoon with you. End of discussion."
Robin wanted nothing more than to argue. But with the events that had taken place these last forty-eight hours, he thought it best not to.
Raven got to her feet and headed for the door.
Robin stood. "Can we talk?"
Raven glanced back at him. "Maybe later. I have someone to meet."
"Jinx?"
Raven smiled. "Nope. A new friend actually." And she went through the door, not stopping again at his calling.
Terra was sitting by the side of a small pond around the back of the house when Raven rounded the corner. She took a seat next to her.
"Having a pleasurable day?" Terra asked with a smaller smile than usual.
"Have had better."
Terra nodded. After a few minutes of her skipping rocks across the pond she turned to Raven. "You know I'd love to tell you everything. I'd enjoy it more than you, probably. But I was just informed not to long ago and… promised… some repercussions if I was to let anything slip. Accidentally of course."
"Figures. Everyone 'cant' tell me anything."
"Cant doesn't mean I wont." Terra said with a smirk as she skipped another rock.
Raven narrowed her eyes. "But what about your so called punishment?"
"I've never been one to do what I was told. There are just some things I'm not good at."
Raven smiled.
"Of course I cant tell you straight out. We'll have to come up with a game or code or something. That way I wont have told you. You would have found out all on your own."
Raven and Terra looked at each other. Terra with her normal mischievous grin. And Raven couldn't help but smile too. For that matter, neither could the green frog in the pond that just happened to be watching.
Only a few things to address. I'm sorry about the confusion of ages in the last chapter. Jinx was 12. Not 9 as it sounded. I have changed that. About BB being out of character so much… he may stay that way for a while. Someone needs to have that role and he just seemed like an opportunity waiting to happen. Think of it like this, he has two different sides. One is the one we see in the cartoon and this is his other. He takes this out when he needs to. I just think he's so under valued, he needed to come out and play with the big boys. So I let him. Sorry if it upsets anyone.
So far I have had more 'nay' on the Bri and Raven chat. Which I think is probably best. She may make an appearance at the engagement party, but that should be mostly it.
And about the challenge I set forth for the pictures. I have attempted them for myself. If you would like to be so bold as to look at them I have an account with name is Little Creature there too. I think the address is http/littlecreature. Please don't be too brutal.
One last thing before I get to the reviews. I would like to apologize for the lapse in time between chapters. Really busy month. I will try not to make it quite so long anymore. Please forgive me. (pouty face)
I would love to address all my reviewers but unfortunately I don't have the time. I have gotten some really kind words and would like to thank all of you individually. And I will one of these times. But for now:
Raven Ariana- I'm not sure where you got the whole BB/Terra thing. I am very against that couple. Sorry. As of right now, I am mostly going to concentrate on the Rae/Rob dilemma. Later I will get others more involved.
Mystery-Bliss- Wow. Interesting theory. As of now, no. But I may consider that. Very creative.
Megami-chan- I know I already tackled your review, but I wanted to thank you for bringing something like that to my attention. I know what I mean when I write it. But that doesn't necessarily mean everyone else does. Please let me know if I am ever unclear like that again. You are a great editor.
Umbra Puella- Thanks for the warning. I think I might have changed it but forgot to push the little saved button. Thanks again.
krOnnokal- I am trying to focus more on the others too. Namely Robin. I'm working on it. Soon, I promise. Sorry the wedding is far away. I am skipping a lot of days in between now. To make it closer and get on to bigger and more interesting things. Thanks for everything.
Water81- The low blow wasn't to Terra. It was to Robin. I know it appears not to be about Robin, but… cant say too much before I give it away. And I am going to be revealing why slowly as time goes on. Raven and Terra have kind of allied now. But why?
Dana- I explained this to one other reviewer in an email to her… so I should put it here. When Robin said twelve, he was referring to Jinx being twelve, not himself making her nine. (I have changed that) It disturbed me to think you all thought she was nine so I changed it almost immediately. Sorry for the confusion. Action and conflict? Absolutely.
Nevermore266- Jinx's dream has a few different meanings. The decoding will explain a little… and it's coming really soon.
Rinagurl13- Thank you so much for the compliments. They were so nice. I would love for you to try the pictures. Let me know when you do. I can't wait to see them.
Darkofthenight- I feel the necessity to tell you none of that happened. I don't know if I could explain all that in this story. Way out of my reach.
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Little Creature
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