Chapter 10

"Care to explain why the territories in my mind are suddenly parts of a house?"

"Raven, I swear, I don't know! I didn't even know I was in your mind!"

Casting a 'yeah-right' look at Beast Boy, Raven said, "Oh please. I saw you go into the book."

He waved his hands in front of himself defensively. "But Raven I didn't even know what I was doing. I think something in your book is hypnotizing me! It's weird, it's like I can't stop going in. I guess I built those houses while I was in there!" Beast Boy took a second look at Raven's face. It wasn't sweaty and as pale as it was before. And her voice was normal. "Hey…I thought you were sick?"

"The medicine finally started working. Now, what exactly could be hypnotizing you?"

Beast Boy shrugged. "I'm not sure, maybe it was a weird disease someone put me on, because now I'm actually conscious that I did it! And you know what? I'll do my best to deconstruct the house in there! I promise!"

Her eyes widened, and Raven started shaking her hands back and forth. "No! No need! Just promised me that you'll never enter my mind again and we'll call it even!"

Beast Boy blinked, amazed that it was that simple. "Uh…okay…deal."

Upon leaving Raven's room, Beast Boy grinned evilly, and brought his fist down in happiness. He had crossed his toes in his shoes! Even though the Feminine Raven was a little creepy, she appreciated him and gave him affection.

Even though the real Raven was being nicer to him lately, things were undoubtedly a bit more awkward. He went to his room with a proud march.

(Later.)

The alarm rang throughout the Tower, making everyone jump out of their rooms; except Raven. As Beast Boy ran to the Main room, he skidded to a halt in front of Raven's door. He pounded on it with his fist. "Hey! Raven! We've got to go! Come on!"

There was no response. He opened the door, and found Raven with a hand to her head. Even though he was aware that he wasn't entirely welcome just now, Beast Boy walked over, and got to his knees to look at her. Her face was perspiring, and her lids were low over her eyes. Putting a hand to her shoulder, he asked, "What's wrong?"

Looking up, Raven let out a breath. "Damb bedicine wore off."

Concerned, Beast Boy stroked a hand down her back. "Is there anything you need? We'd probably need the extra hands."

Raven shrugged, and raised her head. "Probably the Dayquil. It helped be before."

Delighted he could help, Beast Boy rushed out of the room, and in an anime flash, he was back with a tiny dose cup of…NIQUIL??? "You idiot! This is DIQUIL!!!"

Confused, Beast Boy tilted his head. "Huh?"

She groaned, but tried to slow her voice to where the actual word came out. "Niiii-quiiiiiiillll."

Beast Boy cringed. "Oh crap! Well, I'll get---"

A voice over the intercom rang out. "Raven! Beast Boy! We need you out here NOW! We've got the entire Hi-Five holding the Mayor hostage! We need you to leave the Tower on-the-double."

Raven gulped the cup. Grabbing his hand, she flew them both out the window. She let go of his hand was they were outside, and the second she did, Beast Boy changed into an eagle.

(City Hall.)

The area was quiet and spooky. No one was talking, only trying to listen. Everyone on the outside was tense and alert, ready for anything. Cop cars were parked in a half-circle around the front entrance to City Hall, and multiple policemen were guarding all other possible exits. The Captain was bracing himself behind the car, and was speaking into a megaphone. "This is the J.C.P.D., we have the premises surrounded! If you come out slowly, the Mayor with you, then we won't open fire!"

All five of the Teen Titans, who were standing behind the Captain, gave him an odd look. The Mayor was inside there; and if they started shooting for any reason, the Hi-Five would find some way to draw the Mayor into the line of fire, the exact thing everyone was trying to avoid. The threat was ridiculous. "Officer, if you don't mind, I think we can handle this." The Captain was too busy sucking up the drama to listen to them. All eyes went to Robin, who reluctantly nodded, and the Titan's quietly went different ways.

Starfire, carrying Cyborg, flew to the top of the building, Robin swung into an open window before the police surrounding it could stop him. Beast Boy and Raven slithered into the front doors, using her powers to disguise themselves. Once inside, they both rose to their feet, and observed the familiar setting of the interior of City Hall. The front room was gorgeously lavished in velvet waiting cushions, and several lifeless flags on poles sat on either side of the entrance hallway. The ceiling was decorated with a detailed mural of soldiers marching honorably into battle. The reception desk at the far end of the entrance hall had an expertly carved relief on the broad front. Lastly, the plush entry carpet in front of them was covering a beautiful marble floor.

Among all this beautiful scenery, the only thing that fazed the two Titan's remotely was, "the carpet."

Raven looked over at Beast Boy. He looked up at her with a cheery smile. "His carpet was red last time. Now it's jade."

She looked down, and sure enough, a soft jade-green carpet rested under her feet. "How'd you doe it was jade?"

He grinned. "I happen to be an expert on green."

Her eyes rolled, but when she let out her breath, she felt a drift of tiredness. Raven staggered, but before she could fall, Beast Boy grabbed her wrist, and gently cradled her back to straighten her. Once she was standing again, she put her hand to her forehead. His brows met at his nose. "Rave? What's wrong?"

Her lids fell over her eyes briefly, but they opened at the sound of the strange name. "Rave?"

His eyes widened. "Uh…Rave-N."

She wanted to inquire about his mistake, but her medicated mind was too confused to handle it. "It's the Diquil. Bedicine always works too quick on be."

He looked sympathetic. "Why don't you rest on one of these couches then?"

The look Raven gave him said he had grown two heads. "Are you crazy? The Hi-Five is holdin-k the Bayor hostage! I cad afford to rest!" His eyes were wide, but they softened into a smile that Raven didn't entirely understand. "What?"

Beast Boy shook his head in admiration. "You never quit. It's awesome."

Raven blinked, and blushed again, a recent habit. "Thang you."

He nodded, and they suddenly heard a loud BANG!

They rushed into the doors by the reception desk. Right there was the Hi-Five. There was apparently an exaggeration in the report. There was only Gizmo, Mammoth, and Jinx. But, sitting in the middle of the room, was the Honorable Mayor of Jump City tied to a chair with his mouth gagged, and a gun recently fired into the floor. "Now, now, let's not get impatient!" Mammoth said, and slowly stalked over to the Mayor.

"Hold it!"

Four heads turned to two. Since there was only one other Titan, Raven said, "Beast Boy! Go!" Together, they leapt at their enemies. Beast Boy ran to Jinx, who stood her ground, ready to fight the puny little guy. Puny, soon changed to enormous as Beast Boy transformed into a large Rhinoceros, and charged her, lifting his horn between her legs, and tossing her into the air, until she landed on Gizmo. Raven was busy tossing random items in the office at Mammoth while Beast Boy quickly changed mostly back to normal, except for his hand that he transformed into a claw, and sliced through the rope around the Mayor.

"What's happening?" Beast Boy turned, and saw Robin. Thinking fast, Beast Boy tossed Robin the Mayor. "Sorry your Highness…uh...dude…whatever! Take him outside Robin! Raven and I got things covered." Clearly a little put-off at not being in a position of command, Robin did as he was told.

Beast boy was on fire, Jinx went down easy and so had Gizmo. As he turned to Raven, he watched her get weaker and weaker as she made feeble hits at Mammoth. 'That stuff really does work fast!' He looked up at the ceiling, did a quick calculation, and changed into a Tyrannosaurus, and taking only two gigantic steps, He swatted Mammoth with his massive tail.

Grinning, and feeling on top of the world as he noticed the fallen enemies around him, Beast Boy jumped onto the desk, and said with great pride, "VICTORYYYY BEAST BOY!!!! WOOO!" His hands went up in the air, and opened his mouth, ready to begin his classic victory dance, when he heard a soft, pitiful moan. He looked over, and saw Raven about to drop to her knees. He got off the desk as fast as he had gotten on it, and caught Raven. She was snoozing in his arms before he knew it. A smile spread over his face as he watched her sleep. The way she curled against him combined with the soft snoring, was utterly adorable, and Beast Boy wasn't afraid to admit it.

"Beast Boy! What has happened to Raven?"

He looked up at Starfire and Cyborg. With that warm smile still in place, Beast Boy picked Raven up and said, "Raven's medicine started working at a bad time, I'll take her back to the Tower."

(The Tower.)

Raven's eyes blinked open. Her vision was somewhat blurry, but she recognized the green blob instantly. "Beast Boy? What happened?"

His smile was comforting. It wasn't the usual annoying cheer, but a simple, sweet smile. "After we saved the Mayor your Nyquil kicked in."

Frustrated at herself for giving into it, Raven kicked into the air, noting the blanket. She was in bed? Feeling around, she noted that she wasn't wearing her shoes. "Did you take my shoes off?"

He nodded. "And your cape."

Her mouth opened, and she checked under the covers. Sure enough, she was only in her leotard. "Um…thanks."

Shrugging it off, Beast Boy leaned back on the chair he was sitting in. "No problem. And it sounds like you've cleared up."

And he was right. Her head was lighter, her congestion was gone. "Well…hopefully this time it won't wear off."

Beast Boy's smile broadened. "Oh, just to warn you, you missed dinner."

Raven shrugged after glancing at the analog clock beside her bed. "I'm not surprised; it's 9:00 o'clock." Her stomach growled. "I guess I need to eat though."

If it were possible, Beast Boy's grin broadened again, and he shoved a plastic container to her. "But I made you something."

Blinking in surprise, Raven sat up, and opened the bowl. Inside was broth and noodles. She looked up at him. "It's broth, not real chicken. Not really compromising my morals, and since I didn't know if you would still be sick or not, I thought I should make you something that usually makes people feel better."

Her mouth wide open, Raven blushed at the thoughtfulness. "That's…really sweet of you."

He shrugged, but his eyes gave him away. He was very pleased with himself over this. "It's the least I could do."

Raven sipped up the soup with the spoon he offered. After it was gone, she put the bowl on the desk. "What happened with the Hi-Five?"

He shrugged. "They went to the arraignment, made bail. What else is new?"

She let out a scoff. "Almost defeats the purpose doesn't it?"

He smiled. "Well, somebody's got to do it."

Raven shrugged in agreement. "I suppose." Realizing only now that she hadn't yet thanked him for the soup, she did so now. He flapped his hand in a forget-it gesture.

"You're a friend. And that's what friends do for each other."

Raven truly was grateful, but she was getting quite warm. The blanket was heavy, and she usually changed into a nightie when things got too hot. So in order for her to change, she would prefer if Beast Boy left the room. However, just as she opened her mouth, Beast Boy plopped on the bed beside her. "You really kicked butt today."

Raven snorted. "Please. I just tossed some office supplies at him. You were the one who kicked butt."

He blushed, and casually put his arm around her like he did it all the time. She didn't like that…right? "Thanks Rave."

She pulled away a little to look at him properly. His face was unusually close. His face was literally centimeters from hers. "You just did it again."

He looked confused. "Huh?"

"You did it again, you called me Rave."

He blinked, then blushed suspiciously, but he didn't draw back. "Um...I don't know, I've been experimenting with new nicknames for people. Do you…I don't know, not like it?"

Raven thought about it for a moment, remembering her dream. There, he had called her Rae. That was alright, she supposed, but Rave definitely sounded more sophisticated. And somewhat…cooler. "I…do…I like it," Raven said, unintentionally repeating the words she had said in her dream. When she looked over at him, he was a little bit taller than usual. "Uh…how did you get so tall?"

He looked confused, but pointed down, and Raven noticed he was sitting on a pillow. "Oh." Suddenly, Raven realized that things were following the events of her dream. Intentional or not. But, the last part of her dream flitted into her mind, and Raven's eyes widened. Surely he didn't intend…but, as he drew closer, she said to herself, 'Oh yes, he does!'

His eyes were closing, and Raven froze, but then realized that he was checking for fever again. She waited patiently for him to check…but…the next thing she knew, his lips weren't on her forehead…but on her lips.

He was kissing her!

Her eyes closed, as if by instinct, but from that point, her thoughts ceased. Everything around them was gone. There was no bed, there was no Tower, and there wasn't even a city. It was just her, and Beast Boy. His mouth was soft and supple against hers. He tasted like mint, but the flavor was slight, since their mouths were closed. Before she could remedy that, Beast Boy pulled away from her faster than a bolt of lightening.

But, through impulse, Raven grabbed his uniform, and yanked him back to her mouth. He resisted for a second, but then he responded with a fierceness that sent her flying onto her back on the bed. His mouth wouldn't open, but his lips were pressed fiercely against hers in a passionate grasp that she couldn't escape, even if she wanted to. There was such pleasure to be found in the kiss, that everything else was gone. Raven didn't even notice when some of the ornaments on her shelves began to fall. She arched uncontrollably against him, and heard him moan. As if it was a wake-up call, Raven yelped against his mouth, and she felt him rise. Panting, she watched his eyes widen in fear. His body was still over hers, and he must have noticed. He got up, and ran out of her room without a word.

Knowing that if the emotions inside her continued to rise, Raven gathered her toiletries, and made her way to the bathroom to take a shower, zipping past Beast Boy's door.

Beast Boy, who was busy steaming in his room, was running his finger through his hair. Perhaps to the point where it would all fall out, but he didn't care. How could he do that?! Raven was one of his best friends, and things would no doubt be awkward between them for a while. Unless he…finally explained what was happening with the Feminine Raven. Maybe that was the explanation to all the weird things that were happening lately. That, plus Raven's…thing. Beast Boy shuddered dramatically, but he stood up to confront her.

Used to just walking in now, he opened the door, and saw that Raven wasn't in the room. He shrugged, and figured he could wait for her. But, as fate would have it, he ended up entering the book.

How bad was it when he ended up visiting her three times in one day? He entered the library of the house, a.k.a. Knowledge's old territory. Inside, he tried to select a book to read, so he could wait for Raven, but, just as he reached for a novel, a hand grabbed his, and in a dizzying flourish, Beast Boy found himself in Feminine Raven's arms. She was grinning broadly, in a way that he found…rather creepy. "Hey sweetie!"

Beast Boy smiled awkwardly. Almost as a joke, he said, "Uh..say, Rave, didn't you tell me that you're made from lots of other emotions?"

Her nod was rapid, as if she wanted to make a point of her own, and quick. "What exactly are you made of?" He said, on the verge of laughing.

She appeared to think about it. "I'm not really sure. I know there's Happy, Knowledge…oh, I know there's Anger, an---"

Alarm bells rang in Beast Boy's head. "Wait…what? Did you just say…anger?"

She nodded again, vigorously, the movement causing her hood to fall. "Of course! So, it would be wise for no one to upset me! But you know you could never upset me BB."

He almost shuddered at the attempted seduction. But then, it occurred to him, how big a problem this was: Feminine Raven was made of Anger!

But that seemed to be the last thing on her mind as a finger trailed up his shirt and to tap his nose. "Anyway, you know what you did today?"

Beast Boy shook his head nervously. "You kissed me!"

Since he was still a little dizzy, he hadn't fully comprehended what she meant. But he came to understand it when her big lips squished on his.

From that moment on, never again would Beast Boy question the meaning of the phrase 'Suck Face'.