I don't own any of the characters in the story or much of anything in real life. So if anyone wants to sue me for using the characters, feel free. You'll end up with about 40 cents and a stale cheese puff that's been in the couch for over a year.

Chapter 3


"It's time to make some decisions." Robin said to the audience gathering in the main room. "We've defeated the brotherhood but they're not the only threat to the world." Word had been circulating throughout the tower and his next words didn't come as a surprise. "Our enemies are not just in this city. With all of us localized, they have gone elsewhere – to cities they see as easy targets."

"I'm not forcing any of you to leave. However, I am asking that you understand the necessity behind this decision. If you have a preference as to whether you stay here, or go to another city, speak up."

He had hoped the original titans and titans east would stay on their respective teams. Together they had proven themselves and have the most experience. "We won't be thinning our ranks. The fewer teams the better."

"Final decisions should be made by the end of this week." Robin paused. "If there are no questions, I recommend you take some time to consider where you want to go."

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Robin and the other original titans congregated in his room. Most of the other's had said they didn't have a preference and would trust his decision – but he wanted the input of those he trusted. One by one he read off names and listened to the opinions.

"So we agree the new Team East should consist of Aqualad, Bumblebee, Mas and Menos, Speedy, Jinx, and Harrold."

"Can't we just pick names out of a hat?" Beastboy suggested. "I'm missing an important documentary."

"OH! Is the tale of toe fungus on today?" Starfire excitedly said while clapping her hands.

"We need to focus here." Robin interjected. "Next on the list…"

"They stay here." There was no room for question in Raven's voice.

"Agreed. We need to test their powers."

"Jericho?… Europe?" The team nodded in agreement.

"Kid Flash? Here."

Raven looked up. "Uh…He might be better on team East."

"They already have Mas and Menos."

"We have BeastBoy." She argued her point. "He can change into anything and give them all a run for their money."

"Wow! Raven, was that a compliment!"

She turned to him, "Don't get used to it."

"Can we concentrate here, please!" Robin pounded his fist on the table. "He did request either East or Europe but we could also use him. We'll just let him have the final word."

As they continued down the list, Raven's thoughts were elsewhere. Part of her regretted suggesting he leave but another part was convinced there would be trouble if he stayed. She wasn't sure how much time had passed before the meeting was called to an end.

"We'll make announcements tomorrow to give everyone enough time to get to know their teammates and voice any concerns."

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Back in the main room, Wally was drifting off on the couch until he felt something pinching his foot. Looking up he saw a toddler using his boot as a teething ring. "Hey!" he yanked his foot away causing the child's eyes to glisten with tears. "Come here." Wally picked him up and placed him on the couch next to him. "You hungry?"

The response he received was a giggle and clapping of the hands. "Is that a yes?" Teether made in unintelligible noise. "Well I am. Wait here." Seconds later he appeared with a plate full of food.

"How about…" he picked up a carrot, "this?" Judging from the look of disgust, the answer was no.

By the time he picked up the last piece of food, he was beginning to think his boot was seeing its last moments. Teether's eyes lit up. "This?" Wally was confused. The pizza he had tasted like cardboard and even he didn't want to eat it. "Really?" He shrugged as he handed it over.

Teether eagerly bit into it. "There you are!" Raven's voice echoed in room as the doors slid open.

Wally turned around thinking she meant him. As she gracefully walked toward the couch. "What are you eating?"

Teether waved the small slice of pizza happily. Her shock at the normal food was evident. "Well you're just full of surprises." Her eyes had not once drifted to the other person in the room and he only occasionally glanced at her. "Come on. Lets finish that in your room. It's time for Timmy's bedtime story."

The toddler started to whimper then full out cry. "Teether, you don't want Timmy to be upset, do you?" She didn't want to disrupt what was potentially his first normal meal in…forever… but the thought of Timmy's supersonic voice shaking the building apart wasn't on the top of her wish list.

"It's ok." Wally said initiating the conversation. "I'll watch him while you put the other's to sleep." He reached over to tickle the boy's stomach.

Raven contemplated the situation. "Are you sure you don't mind?"

"I'm sure."

"Alright. I'll be back in a half hour." She started out of the room. "Thanks," she said softly.

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An hour past and there was no sign of her return. Teether had already drifted off and Wally was fading in and out – trying his best to stay awake. Yet despite his effort, his relaxed position and the long day got the best of him. His eyes closed and the toddler crawling up onto his chest couldn't even wake him.

Raven scanned the room. From the rear entrance, it appeared as if the room was empty. A quiet snore let her know she was wrong. As she walked over to it's source she could do nothing but stare at the sight before her. They looked so peaceful. She hesitated waking them and stood for minutes just watching.

As if sensing her presence, Wally slowly opened his eyes to see a rare site – Raven's smiling face. His eyes looked down at the sleeping child on his chest.

"Sorry it took so long. Apparently Timmy's going through a phase where he wants to hear the first 3 pages of every book he owns."

Wally slowly sat up cradling Teether in his arms as to not wake him. "Not a problem." He stood up, still reluctant to keep eye contact. "Mind if I put him to sleep?"

"As long as you don't wake the others. If you do, you're reading the next round." She was only half joking.

In silence they walked to the children's room. As the child was carefully placed in his crib, Raven reached for the blanket at the same time as Kid Flash. Their hands brushed against each other. His hand covered hers and slowly pulled it toward them. Their eyes met and faces came ever closer. Eyes closed, they shared a quick kiss. Raven backed away but did not let go of the hand in hers - leading him out of the room.

Unbeknownst to them, they were being watched. As they disappeared from the room, a smile crossed Melvin's face.