Another chapter, yaaay! I'm especially glad I didn't go ahead and post this one last week, because I came up with a grand change just Thursday night, and boy howdy... Well, I've changed the way I'm handling the story in a big way. A lot of it is thanks to you readers and reviewers. When I started this story, way back during the summer, I was just satisfying an urge to get this out, and just get it to a certain point before my brain let go of it. Now that I know there are people out there enjoying this, I'm enjoying it better myself, and I felt that I should put more effort into it and give y'all what you deserve. A well thought out story rather than a thrown together one, though still of the same plot and general story line, is much preferred, right?
Oh, and I worked up another Interlude chapter, should I end up posting another short chapter at some point or if I don't get around to doing a full one around Christmas time. If I end up not getting to post it as an Interlude in this story, I'll post it as a one-shot while it's still pertinent. Aw, heck, maybe I'll just post it some week just for S&G.
Super special thanks to KittyKatMeow-chan and SweetNCrazieSugarmuffin, again for beta reading. You're always awesome for this, especially this round...
"Now, you're going to have to use two wrenches to get that off. Right, you got it, one to hold one nut, one to turn the other, you'll figure it out. Here, don't forget your goggles; oil could spill out once you get the tube off." Cyborg had finally gotten Raven down to the garage for another of his wild projects. He'd bought an old muscle car and wanted very badly to restore it to former glory and beyond. First thing was to remove the old engine and install one of his own.
"Robin's taking me to a movie, tonight," Raven told him between grunts.
Cyborg had stopped whatever he had been dong to weigh this statement, then went on. "Is that so? D'you know what you're going to see?"
"Cyborg, that isn't exactly why I brought it up."
"You don't say?"
"Ok, you know something, spill."
"Hey, what I know I got in confidence. Just like what you're about to tell me."
She let out a sigh, and preceded much to her chagrin. "We've just been acting a little strange around each other, lately. I'm not sure what to make of it, if anything at all."
"Is it significant to you? May just be what you make of it."
"Maybe I'm just being paranoid, but it feels like there's something afoot."
"Negative or positive?"
"You know I don't like dealing in absolutes…"
"Then just go along for the ride, enjoy yourself. And don't worry about Starfire; I'll take care of her." Raven continued about her task unabated, though her mind was a bit more active. Cyborg let the silence settle comfortably, then added, "They aren't dating." Raven dropped a wrench, Cyborg cracked a wide smile.
That evening, while the rest of the team sat watching a comedian in a one hour special, Raven and Robin made eye contact. Robin shot his thumb toward the door, Raven nodded ascension. Together they got up, she setting her book aside, he waving half-heartedly good-bye to the others. Without saying a word, they made their way out the door.
"What was that all about?" Beast Boy was facing backwards on the couch, an eyebrow cocked at the door. "Where are they going?"
"And why are we not accompanying them?" Starfire looked very perplexed. They both looked at Cyborg expectantly, as he did not seem surprised at all.
He sighed. "They're just going to a movie, that's all."
Starfire jumped off the couch. "Oh, a movie outing! Then hurry, we must—Cyborg, please remove your hand from my femur, or would you like to partake in the joy that is flying?"
"I won't let go unless you agree to stay put. We're staying home tonight."
"But we—"
"No, sit." As Cyborg commanded, Starfire sank down into the couch again, next to where Robin had been sitting. She became quite sullen. Cyborg began to chuckle. "This guy is funny."
"Cyborg, what's going on with those two?" Beast Boy spat out.
"It's none of our business."
"I'm making it my business!" When he didn't receive a reply, he stalked off to his room.
Meanwhile, the two birds stood in front of a box office, looking at the movie listings. They debated over what to see, though Robin admitted to telling Raven it was her choice. He tried to talk her out of it, but she really wanted to see the new Japanese horror flick.
"Why not a comedy, or maybe an action movie? Does it have to be that one?"
"Yes, it does. And you said…"
"I know what I said; I just didn't think it would turn out like this."
"Suck it up, Boy Wonder. Let's get our tickets."
A few civilians gave the pair sideways glances, some even snapped pictures. In light of this, Raven rushed them from the box office to their assigned theater. Quickly, she found seats far enough from the screen not to break their necks.
"You can let go of that, now." Robin smiled and pointed at his wrist. All the while she'd been tugging him behind her. She dropped the wrist like a rabid badger.
"I… sorry." She was saved from her blush being seen by the dimming lights. Raven couldn't take her eyes off the screen once the movie began. The story enthralled her, and she was even startled a few times.
Robin, on the other hand, wasn't sure if he'd sleep that night. He was frightened and nearly jumped out his skin several times. He was biting his lip from the suspense. A few times, he caught himself tugging on Raven's cloak like a security blanket. Thankfully, she never noticed.
The movie ended and the house lights came on. Raven smiled, satisfied by the ambiguous ending, and Robin blinked, not believing they could end it like that. Then, Raven turned and said to him in a mocking sort of way, "You can let go of that, now."
"Wha—oh," Robin gasped when she brought him back to reality. He'd been squeezing her hand for quite some time, and wasn't sure how to act now that he'd been caught.
Rave eased her hand away from his. "That's better… maybe I'll get some blood back in it before we get home."
"Home? Already?" Robin was trying to reassert his composure. "Wouldn't you like to grab something to eat?"
"You just aren't ready to go back home to an island after seeing that house in the movie."
Robin blushed and averted his gaze. "Just humor me tonight." He got up and made for the exit and she quietly followed.
They stopped in an all night diner before going home. There, Robin learned many things about her in conversation. When you began to say something that interested her, her hand would brush her hair behind her right ear. She really wanted a cat, but had never tried to introduce one into their home because of their manic roommates and hectic, crime-fighting lives. When other girls would have giggled liltingly, she had a raspy sort of chuckle. She may not wear make-up, but her hands and nails were immaculate. He wondered if maybe her feet would match up. They'd spent hours talking like this over bottomless cups of coffee.
The waitress brought them a fresh fruit plate they'd ordered as the next day inched ever closer. Raven grabbed a deep red strawberry and took a bite. A sound of satisfaction escaped her throat.
"Is it really that good?"
"Strawberries are my favorite fruit," she told him when she finished chewing.
"Really? You always struck me as a grape sort of person," he replied.
"Why?"
"I guess all the purple and black on your person, I just associated the darker fruit with you."
"That would be your mistake brave leader. You over thought that one big time. Starfire doesn't dress like a French's bottle, but it's still her favorite thing in the world."
"So why do you like strawberries so much?" He himself grabbed a small bunch of grapes and popped one in his mouth.
"Well, their taste, it's a pleasant balance of sweet and tart." She paused before revealing the next truth. The caffeine was loosening her lips quite a bit; she couldn't remember ever being this talkative. "Plus, red is my favorite color."
"Is that so," he mused. "Like the bright red of that particular one you're eating?"
She paused, chewing.
"No, more like your uniform." And because of your uniform—wait, Raven...
So I wear her favorite color on a day to day basis…Conversation continued unabated and Robin committed every word to memory. Eventually, though, they decided it was time their waitress got her break, and they paid with a hefty tip.
They arrived home close to the time Raven was usually getting out of bed. Cautiously, they entered, not making a sound, turning on lights as they went. Though their extended midnight snack had settled his nerves quite a bit, Robin still didn't want too many shadows around him. He'd toured the nocturnal world of evil for many years with the caped crusader, but fictional zombies got under his skin.
Raven looked around at the damage and felt the impulse to set about her work. There were empty pizza boxes as well as Chinese food containers. The various remotes were scattered as well as the couch pillows and cushions. Starfire had left the kitchen a disaster trying to create a dish to relieve her mind. There was a multitude of cups waiting to be cleaned as well as soda cans waiting to be disposed of.
"Wow, they sure can do some damage."
"I wonder who was assigned," he said, more to himself than anything. "It's a wonder the Tower stays so clean."
"Robin it's irrelevant. Shall we take care of this, or turn in?" Raven bit her lip, hoping he would be tired and leave it to her.
"Turn in," he replied. He went and inspected the kitchen. From the corner of his eye, he saw her levitating the couch into order. "I'll have a talk with the rest of the team in the morning."
Raven got a glass of water and slowly sipped it. She kept a steady eye on her leader.
"Tired?" Robin asked, yawning himself. She nodded, her shoulders sagged and she began to move toward the door. They walked together to their bedrooms.
"I had a lovely time, thank you, Robin," she said as she continued down the hallway. He watched her move farther from him, feeling as if things had ended rather abruptly. The palm of his hand ached with loneliness and his lips wanted to be chased. He shook his head fiercely and quickly entered his room. He would be sitting down and writing a list before heading definitively to bed.
Meanwhile, Raven was in her room, tossing that day's leotard and cloak into the hamper. Quickly, she put on a cotton tank and matching pants. She had an Augean task set to her. Luckily, she was a Titan.
All through breakfast, Starfire had been quiet, infrequently glancing at the door. Beast Boy was equally quiet, but more brooding, shoving spoonfuls of cereal into his mouth and crunching loudly. Cyborg made futile attempts at conversation, ultimately resorting to gulping down his food quickly just to get away from the table. As they each set their dirty dishes by the sink, Starfire finally broke.
"Did Robin not return home last night?"
"Yeah, and what about Raven?"
"Is there something we have done to earn scorn or distrust? I do not like what is going on."
"Guys, relax. There's nothing going on we should worry about. I know they came home last night, it's on the sensors. Starfire, no one has done anything wrong, especially you. And you, Beast Boy, what's with the chip on your shoulder?"
"What chip? Can't a guy be crabby without some one getting on his case? Maybe things just haven't gone my way for a while and I'm getting sick of it. I'm going to my room." True to his word, he stormed out of the kitchen and shortly after a door slammed.
"Cyborg, you are quite perceptive. I did not see any salty potato derived snacks on his shoulder."
"What? No, what I meant was…" This lead to a long explanation that ended in Cyborg throwing his hands up and telling Starfire to go find Robin. While she was off exploring his usual haunts, Cyborg made off to play a videogame.
Robin walked into the kitchen, having slept just long enough to feel refreshed. "Are Beast Boy and Starfire around?"
"Nope, they both wandered off about 20 minutes ago. Why, something up?"
"Well, I wanted to talk about the state that the Tower was left in last night, but I see you all came to your senses this morning. It looks much better now."
"What are you talking about, man?"
Robin poured himself a cup of coffee which he poured down the sink soon after smelling it—it had turned bitter from sitting out so long. He paused thoughtfully at the sink before turning and beginning a cup of tea brewing. He left it on the table and joined Cyborg on the couch.
"So how was your date?" Cyborg asked.
"Wasn't a date," Robin yawned. "But we had fun, I learned a lot about her."
"Anything happen I should be beating you up over? What was with you two coming in so late?"
"Cy, nothing happened, honest. We went to a movie, we had some coffee, got caught up in conversation."
"Now what?" Cyborg turned serious, probing with his eyes. Robin nodded and took his chin in his hand.
"I like her, a lot. I want to do it again. I want it to be a real date, next time."
"Do you think she was interested? Do you think she'll be able to handle it?"
"I don't know, but I'll find out. I'll take it slow, I'll be patient." Cyborg laughed heartily at that last part.
"Not exactly your forte, but OK, give it a shot. I'll be watching you, though… And I think you should talk to Star—"
"Stop stop stop, just hold it; she and I never dated. Never."
"Then why did she and everyone else get the impression you were sweet on her?"
"Well, I know I was doting, but I considered myself responsible for her care. I was her Ambassador of Earth, trying to get her used to our ways, helping her adjust."
"Hey, I'm just trying to keep things friendly while there's nothing else to take our minds off it."
Robin stared down at his shoes and sighed. "Fair enough." He got quiet and seemed to sink just a little deeper into the couch cushion.
At this time, Raven came quietly into the room, down from the roof. She'd elected to meditate rather than sleep. She felt equally relaxed. Robin and Cyborg didn't seem to notice as she cleared away the breakfast dishes. Seeing the tea had finished steeping, she removed the tea strainer and set the mug on a small tray with a small spoon, a few sugar cubes, and a honey bear.
She walked over to the living room and set the tray in front of Robin and grabbed her book off the coffee table. She sank back into the overstuffed chair and opened her copy of The Stranger by Albert Camus. She was just tuning out the tapping of Cyborg on the game controller when something far less habitual interrupted her consciousness.
"It's for you, Raven." She looked up with a questioning expression. "I made the tea for you, but thank you for bringing it to me."
Cautiously, she set down her book and sat on her knees by the table so that she might prepare her tea. She tried to ignore the feeling of the masked eyes boring holes into her head. A spoonful of honey was her satisfaction.
"Why did you do that?" Again, a quizzical look, this time for Cyborg. "You set all that up real nice and brought it in here like… like… a servant."
"I was feeling pretty zen after my meditation today, I suppose?" The corner of her mouth twitched a bit, a mockery of a smile. Inwardly, she'd winced at being likened to a servant. "What's wrong with spreading some good karma? Why not ask Robin why he made it for me?"
Cyborg was on the verge of saying "Because I already know—be cause he likes you!" but Robin interjected, "Likewise, good karma. Just thought you might appreciate it."
Slowly, she brought it to her mouth and tasted it. The temperature was perfect, and the warmth from the mug felt so good… Still sitting on the floor, she turned her doe eyes to the Boy Wonder, who himself seemed lost in thought. "I… do appreciate it. Thank you."
Serenely, she watched a small, Italian plumber jump around their television screen and slide down green pipes. All the while, she felt Robin staring at her, though due to his mask, she could not verify this. She didn't know why, but she didn't want to meet that gaze, so her head stayed determinedly facing the TV until she finished her sweet drink. She then carried it all back to the kitchen, doing away with it properly, then returned to the chair and her book. Then he did it again.
"Raven, won't you come sit with us on the couch?"
"Yeah, girl, no one else in here. No need to sit by yourself!"
"But I'm perfectly comfortable…"
"What's wrong, Raven, don't you like us? Think we'll bite?" Cyborg grinned at her and chuckled. "Or maybe you'd like us—" A small pillow glowed black and muffled him rightly. It fell by the wayside, returning to red, a thing noted by all.
"That's quite enough, Cy, I'll come sit with you two..."
The two boys exchanged a victorious smirk before Cyborg turned his attentions back to the oversized screen. Raven claimed the corner and snuggled into the crook beside the arm. Her legs and feet curled up beside her automatically. With the utmost subtlety and ever so nonchalantly, Robin rested a hand upon her foot. Raven raised the book ever so slightly.
Yay! Another chapter down. Are they getting easier to swallow? Or perhaps you'd like a spoonful of sugar to help it down? Sorry folks, but my sugars are for the buy next door, only XD Anyway, the book I mentioned is a real one, and I suggest reading it as soon as you can. I know it's the winter break, soon, so you know you'll have free time! No excuses, man, you shouldn't only read amatuer stuff like this all the time, cough up the $10 American for some published work... just saying...
Oh, and some of you are looking forward to a Starfire confrontation, which is coming! But but but! Why? Why not Beast Boy? He's on edge, he's ready to go. Why hasn't anyone mentioned a Beast Boy throw down? Not that I'm complaining, I know what's going to happen and have total control, anyway...