which occurred in Teen Titans (third series) issue #30 (the current series being written by Geoff Johns). Whether or not they'll officially become a couple remains to be seen, but its starting to look pretty good.
I'm actually using something of a hybrid universe here. I'm basically supposing the Geoff Johns Titans, but with the animated series past. Thus, you'll have to think of this as happening sort of in the future of the animated series -- about 3-4 years in the future, if you follow the route set by the comic books.
R&R appreciated, flames will be ignored. If you don't like Raveast, do us both a favor and just use the back button on your browser. That's what its there for. If you're still here now, then you have no one to blame but yourself. Enjoy.
--DBK
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FOR NOW
A quick 10-minute fic by DeTroyes.
Even as Raven leaned forward, the thought was striking her. Strange, that I should be the one to start this.
He was surprised, at first. Confused, even. Not quite understanding what it was she was trying to do, or perhaps just not believing. But then their lips touched, and he knew. And she could feel the change in him, the shift of emotions. The resurrection of something he had long thought was buried, given up long ago, never to resurface again.
Why now? He seemed to want to ask, but didn't. He simply accepted, and like her tried to let the moment stretch for as long as it could.
And so, for the first time in their lives, Raven kissed Beast Boy.
A jumble of answers to the question flashed through her mind.
Because... because our world is coming apart around us. OMACs and demons. Threats from space. Friends turned against one another.
Because... Sebastian is near, and I'm deathly afraid my father is involved in all of this.
Because... You're in charge now, and you need the confidence more than I do.
Because... because I'm strong enough now.
They broke, finally. And stared at one another. Silent. Still somewhat amazed that it had happened.
He's not a boy anymore. Raven thought, remembering that once upon a time he was shorter than she, and smaller. Not anymore. Not with those legs, those arms...
A memory came to the surface, from long ago. A moment they'd had, once. On the shores of the island. A smaller, shorter, troubled Beast Boy, telling her that maybe he should try calling himself "Beast Dude". The name fit him better now, although in truth she much preferred the Animal Man suggestion. But that name was taken...
She became aware that his hand still held her wrist. But there was an unmistakable gentleness to it, now. And his eyes were still on her.
"Um, Rae..." Beast Boy began.
There was a cough, from the other side of the room. Startled, both turned in its direction.
Bart and Mia were standing there, arms folded on their chests, each with conspiratorial smirks plastered on their faces.
"You know," Kid Flash said, "if this is a bad time, we can always come back later."
"Yeah." Speedy agreed, "I mean, there's only like a whole city in flames outside. I suppose we can probably find something to do."
Regretfully, they let go of one another. Raven calmly slipped the cowl back over her head, while Beast Boy took a deep breath and mustered up a confident, controlled visage. He was team leader now, and needed to look the part, even though she knew he was trying to hide his self doubts.
Back to business for both of them.
But...
The door was open, now. Each had now told the other what was on their minds, even if no words had been spoken. Hopefully, there would be time enough later to see where that door led.
Something to fight for.
For now.
--DBK
17 December, 2005