Summary: Aaron Grayson, son of the famous Robin and Starfire has been faced with challenges throughout his whole life, but he can deal with them. None, however, can compare to the wall that stands between him and the rest of his family. StarRob, BBRae, VicBee, JxKF
Disclaimer: I don't own Teen Titans, despite what you may think. Rather sad, isn't it?
Author Notes: I want to thank all of you who have reviewed my story so far: 21 reviews, baby! Wee! Anyway, about the last chapter, I got a few comments about all the babies being born. There are two reasons why.
#1 – it was in the chapter title, and it is the last chapter where there will actually be a baby born during it.
#2 – to make a long story short, I'm the only girl in my extended family. I'm almost 14, and there are 7 boys between the ages of 13 and 4 (five of them being 4 OR 5). ANYWAY, within the next week, there's going to be a GIRL! I'm just over-hyped, so…yeah.
Once again, please review! I am counting on your feedback for mini plots going on in the background and whether I'm doing a good job. I accept flames…I love you all…yada yada yada. ON WITH THE SHOW!
Try
Chapter 5: We Are Going to be Friends
Fall had arrived in Jump City, and everywhere, the edges of bright green leaves were beginning to dry out. Displays in shop windows were being changed from beach scenes to boys and girls with backpacks and uniforms. The park, which had once been infested with barefoot children of all ages, now stood nearly empty in the late afternoon. Instead, the children were inside, marking their school things with their name.
A car drove past the park one day in the fall, and its inhabitants looked out at the empty swings and green grass. It was midday – about lunchtime, and normally, this place was swarming with picnic-goers. Bruce Grayson, now seven, was the only one who didn't look. He was busy playing the Gameboy that he had gotten for his birthday a while ago, and was quite into it, making exploding noises every time he hit a target. He wasn't the only one in the backseat – Rebecca was in the middle, and was sitting snuggly in her car seat. Now a happy one-year-old, she always enjoyed watching the green grass and the people in it. Her hair had grown, and Kori always enjoyed pulling it back into a tiny ponytail on her head.
The third was a small boy. Aaron Grayson wore swim trunks and a T-shirt that were still sopping wet from his physical therapy session, which he had just completed. He had recently started working in a pool with his therapist. She called it hydrotherapy (A.N.: Thanks RobxStar4eva!), and all he had to do was walk the length of the shallow pool. Although he had been in therapy for a year, he still had to do simple exercises like that. It did help, though. Only four months ago did he walk for the first time. When it happened, it was like a miracle.
It was late afternoon at the tower, and everyone was laid back. Most of the kids were crowded around the giant screen, watching a movie, while some adults were in training, while others kept an eye on the kids. Gar, Wally, and Gwyneth were sitting on the couch, eyes fixated on the screen, though the movie was not that enthralling. Off to the side of the group, Aaron was sitting on the edge of the couch. His mouth felt dry, and he wanted a glass of milk, but the kitchen…it was so far away. He was determined, however, and got up from his place. His legs did not crumble under him anymore – they had grown much stronger. No one noticed Aaron get up, but instead, kept watching the movie.
He steadied himself on the armrest of the couch and focused in on his target – the refrigerator. Closing his eyes and breathing deeply, he took a step forward, holding fast to the edge of the couch. This would not be an easy trek. If worst came to worst, his father, who was in the kitchen, could come and get him. Little did Aaron know, his parents had been carrying a video camera around constantly for the last month, so they could capture their son's first steps. Richard noticed out of the corner of his eye that Aaron was on his way over, if very slowly. Silently, he pulled the video camera from within his pocket, and turned it on, careful to keep it out of sight.
Aaron paused in his journey. The couch was now out of reach, and he had many more steps to take. Lifting his leg up, he planted it on the ground in front of him. It felt like Jell-O for a moment, but soon steadied. Ready to try again, he lifted the other leg and placed it in front of his body. This time, he really thought he'd fall. His knee was faltering, and that wasn't a good sign. His leg began to shake, but he didn't stop. Relieving weight from the foot, he stood straight once more. He had taken two steps…all on his own! Perhaps he could go a bit faster… yes. Stepping forward once again, it didn't hurt quite so much. Now the next foot, the next, and the next. He was doing it! He was really walking!
Richard, almost on the verge of tears (which was quite unusual for him), snatched his communicator up, not daring to take the camera off of Aaron, and whispered vigorously into it: " Kori! Kori! Come quick – it's happening – now!" Before anyone could breathe, she was there, standing in the doorway, watching her son successfully walk. It was miracle. Kori flew to the kitchen beside Richard, who leaned down to welcome Aaron. The little boy reached his father and threw his arms around his neck. Both parents found themselves crying, along with the boy in their arms. Everyone on the couch turned around to find the scene just the same. Bruce was the first over to hug his brother, once they had realized what happened. Aaron smiled the whole time.
Now, the T-Car flew across Jump City Bay to where the T-shaped tower sat; their home. The car parked, and the kids climbed out of the back. Richard grabbed Rebecca, and they made their way inside. The house was a wreck. Toys littered the floor, spills were everywhere, and Kori swore that she spotted a pair of pants in the entranceway. They climbed into the elevator, only to find Gar and Vic huddled in a corner. When everyone gave them strange looks, they had nothing to do but explain.
"Well…you know how school starts next week?" Gar said worriedly, "Um…Emily, Mark, Matt, Ben, and Maddie are…protesting."
"Protesting?"
"Yeah. It's crazy out there. I wouldn't suggest going into the living room, man."
"But friend Vic? They are merely children? Can you not simply overpower them with your better judgement?"
"They won't listen."
"I doubt that Raven would let anything like this happen, Gar."
"She, Karen, and Gwyneth are taking care of it right now, though I doubt they'll have much luck. The kids…they fight better than they look like they would. They'll make good titans when they're older."
"I'm sure everything's fine."
"Everything isn't fine! Last time we were up here, the whole room was a wre…ck?"
The elevator doors opened automatically, revealing the nearly spotless living room. Just inside, all three ladies sat, a smug look of satisfaction on their faces. Everyone stepped out of the elevator. It was surprising to see a room that was so clean, but had been described two seconds previously as being a wreck. Raven faced Vic and Gar, fire in her eyes.
"Welcome back to the hell hole. We, your wives, have successfully finished a job that you apparently were not capable of doing. The living room is clean, order is restored, and the kids are quiet as mice."
"Where are they, Raven?"
She said nothing, but pointed upward. There, in black auras, sat the five troublemakers. They looked guilty, yet pleased with themselves. They were almost laughing, it seemed.
"One thing, though. Mark seems to have misplaced his pants. I have no idea where he left them, so I thought I'd ask you. After all, you are the one who reminds me quite constantly that he takes after you."
Sighing and blushing, Gar headed back into the elevator, mumbling to himself. Raven released the children from the auras and they drifted softly to the ground, bursting out in a fit of giggles. As the crowed dispersed, including a pants-less Mark. Gwyneth reached into her pocket and pulled out a letter. "Richard, Kori, this is for you. I got the mail earlier…it's from Jump City Public Schools." She quickly left to fetch her older daughter, Maddie, and bring her back up to the West hallway.
Kori slit the envelope open and read the enclosed letter. It was about Aaron, and it was his application to Indian Meadows Elementary School kindergarten. She showed the paper to her son, who read it and was excited within an instant. She, Richard, and Aaron spent the afternoon filling it out, answering questions from medical history to favorite colors. Beside an application, there was also a supplies list in the envelope. Aaron immediately asked if he could go out shopping with them for a backpack and such. While they were amused by his enthusiasm, both were very tired from spending the afternoon out in the city, and told him that they would do it tomorrow.
The next Monday at six thirty AM, Aaron's eyes flew open and a smile was plastered on his face. He threw the covers off and hurried over to his closet to find clothes, tripping a bit. Although he could walk and run well, he was still very unstable. Rummaging through his clothes, he found a nice pair of khaki shorts and a navy blue polo shirt. He then ran to the bathroom in the hall, closing the door behind him. Aaron brushed his teeth and his hair, then placed a small amount of gel in his hands to make spikes. It was more difficult than it seemed, though he had watched his father do it many times. After about three tries, he got it the way he wanted it to look, and exited the bathroom. Not aware what time it was, he raced into his parents' room.
"Mommy! Daddy! I'm ready for school!" There was a groan from the right side – it was Daddy, and he only adjusted his pillow so he could sleep more. Annoyed, Aaron came over to that side of the bed and shook the man. He remained asleep, no matter what his son did. Exasperated, the little boy raced back to the bathroom, got a drinking cup full of cold water, and raced back inside. Giggling, he tossed it on his father, who yelled and bolted up right on his feet, standing in a fighting position.
"GET OUT HERE, YOU COWARD! YOU DON'T FOOL ME…MUM…bo?"
"Daddy?" Aaron stood at the foot of his father's bed, the plastic cup hidden behind his back.
"Sorry…Aaron? What time is it?"
"I dunno, Daddy."
"Well, just so you know, it's…seven AM, and Daddy is very tired. He spent the whole night downstairs working on a lead. Why are you up so early, Aaron?"
"Kindergarten starts today, duh!"
"Wha…oh, yeah! I bet you're excited, huh, kiddo?"
"I am. Did I do a good job dressing myself?"
"Yes, you look very handsome. Why don't you wake your mother up?"
"All right."
Aaron raced to the other side of the bed and shook his Kori awake. Unlike Richard, she merely flitted her eyes open and smiled warmly at the sight of her son. She sat and stretched and lifted the small boy up on her lap.
"My, you look quite nice today, son Aaron. What is the special occasion?" she asked deviously, playing with him.
"Kindergarten starts today, Mommy!"
"Really? I had absolutely no idea. That is most wonderful, Aaron. Why do you not go play with your toys while your father and I do the 'getting ready'? We will come get you when we are done."
Aaron jumped down and ran to the door, waved, and left. Both adults fell back onto their pillows and laughed. If their son was this excited about school, it would be a long 13 years… sighing, they got up and got dressed – Kori in a purple T-shirt and white capris, and Richard in a pale yellow polo shirt and khaki pants. Kori grabbed the video camera before they went down to the boys' rooms to bring them downstairs. Both boys showed up, backpacks on, just like their smiles. Raven and Gar were already downstairs. Raven sat neatly beside Emily, who sipped tea and ate a cut-up pancake drenched in syrup. Apparently, Mark had gotten mad once again, and had turned into a fly and hidden. Gar was now yelling at what appeared to be nothing.
Bruce and Aaron pulled up chairs at the table and began to eat quickly. School started in half-an-hour, and they wanted to be their a little early. Everyone finished, Mark was found, and all eight people were teleported by Raven to Indian Meadows Elementary School on Sydney Street. They appeared in front of the school, and Aaron marveled at it. The golden leaves on the trees seemed to glorify it in an alluring way. He began to walk forward, and Kori turned the video camera on. The front doors hadn't opened yet, so they sat outside, waiting for the day to start.
"So, Aaron, today is your first day of 'the kindergarten'. How are you feeling?"
"I'm really excited, Mommy."
"Can you tell me the name of your school?"
"Indian Meadows Elementary."
"Are you going to make many friends?"
"Yes! Lots and lots of friends."
"Will you miss Mommy and Daddy?"
"Yeah. I'm gonna miss you a lot."
A bell sounded from far off, and from all over, students began pouring in. There were boys and girls who were twice Aaron's size, and looked kind of scary. The Grayson and Logan families both entered the school, and found it to be bursting with life. Children, parents, and teachers were all talking, making it very loud. Richard and Kori said good-bye to Bruce, as Raven and Gar would lead him to his and Emily's classrooms in the second grade wing. Raven, Gar, Emily, Bruce, and little Mark headed off, leaving Richard, Kori, and Aaron standing in the main entranceway. The little boy took his hands in his parents' and together, the three headed toward the kindergarten hallway.
"Do you remember the name of your teacher, Aaron?"
"Miss Lowell, I think."
They quickly found his classroom through the sea of children, and led him inside. About ten other children, their parents, and a pretty young woman were scattered around the room. The classroom was to be marveled at. Murals, posters, and pictures lined the walls, along with a giant bulletin board and a chalkboard. A giant wooden ship stood in one corner, and toys were all over the place in bins. Small rugs and cots were buried in another corner, and there were small tables and chairs on the floor. There was a moment's pause and a silent intake of breath when the Graysons entered, but the talking soon continued. Kori and Richard found their way over to Miss Lowell, their hands still grasped in Aaron's.
"Hello, Miss Lowell, I presume?"
"That's me. Amy Lowell."
"I am Richard Grayson, and this is my wife, Kori. Honey?" Richard asked, leaning down. "Why don't you tell Miss Lowell your name?"
"I'm Aaron Grayson, and I can't wait for kindergarten!"
"Well, Aaron. I am very excited to have you in my class. In about three minutes, I need you to say bye to your parents, okay? We're going to start." He nodded, and she continued on to another boy who was clinging to his mother's leg and refusing to let go. Kori and Richard kneeled down to their son's level, and both gave him a hug.
"We'll miss you, Aaron. We hope you have a great first day of school, and I hope you make some new friends." They patted him once more on the back and left, Kori glancing behind at her little boy. Soon, all of the parents had vacated, leaving a room full of other five-year-olds, one of which was still crying. Miss Lowell called them over to a rocking chair and told everyone to introduce themselves. There was a large boy named Robby, a freckled girl named Anna, and a shy boy whose name, Austin, was barely audible when it was said. The teacher had to calm down the crying boy, Zac, before he could say anything. When it was Aaron's turn, everyone gasped. He wasn't surprised that they recognized him – he had been on TV ever since he had been born.
"My name is Aaron Grayson."
This statement was met by a chorus of 'wow's, and Aaron blushed before the circle moved on to a girl who sat beside him. That day at recess, everyone began running around the playground with the other five kindergarten classes, but Aaron moved slowly. He had never played with other children beside the ones at the tower. From far off, he spotted Emily and Bruce on the big kids' playground, but he wasn't allowed to live the kindergarten playground. Although the other kids were amazed that he was a second-generation titan, they seemed to think that he was stuck up. Everywhere he went, he was turned away, as the others said, "Why don't you go play with your fancy toys at your tower?" Two boys, Alec and Corbin, even made fun of his funny looking legs.
Aaron had been able to deal with everything else, but these remarks drove him to tears. He found a hidden corner of the inside of a jungle gym and sat there and cried. He didn't care that his pants would be dirty from the mulch or that Miss Lowell blew the whistle to come in. He sat with his knees curled up to his chest and let the tears run. As the sounds of other children's voices gradually died away, Aaron wiped his eyes. The last thing he wanted to be now was a sissy for crying. Maybe going to school wasn't such a good idea…
Most of the hurrying footsteps of other children running had gone, but one pair was racing back inside, as though it was late. Suddenly, the footsteps stopped. The noise was coming towards him, and a small face poked inside his hiding place. It was a girl from his class, but he couldn't remember her name. She showed concern and knelt down beside him.
"Are you all right? What's the matter?"
"I'm okay, I guess. The other guys were making fun of me because of my legs. They said they were funny looking." Aaron stood up and showed her his legs, which were severely scarred from the braces.
"What happened to them?"
"I had to wear braces on them for four years, because they were bad. They were taken off a year ago, but it still hurts sometimes."
"I think that's really brave, and not funny looking at all."
"Really?"
"Yeah. My name's Alexis Thomas."
"I'm Aaron Grayson."
The two smiled at each other for a moment, before Alexis glanced at the door to the kindergarten hallway. "Oh my gosh! We hafta get inside before the teachers close the door. Come on, Aaron!" She grasped his hand, and together, they sped off toward the doors. Back inside, they entered Miss Lowell's room in time for music class, where Mrs. Vocum, or Shirah (her first name, which she insisted that they call her by) was introducing herself. They sat in the back, singing along.
Before everyone knew it, the end of the day had come, and parents were arriving out front to pick children up. Aaron's or Alexis's parents weren't there yet, so they waited beneath the apple tree growing on the front lawn. Both were talking about that day and all that had happened. Suddenly, a black aura appeared on the lawn, revealing Raven, Gar, Mark, Braden, Molly, Richard, Kori, and Rebecca. Aaron jumped up and ran over to his parents, wrapping his arms around them.
"Hey, kiddo! How was your day?"
"It was great. I want you to meet my friend!" Grabbing their hands, he pulled them over with Rebecca's stroller in tow. Alexis was still sitting beneath the tree, gazing around for a sign of her parents. She looked up at the sound of Aaron's call, "Hey, Alexis!" Smiling, she scrambled toward her new friend. "Mommy, Daddy, this is Alexis Thomas. She's my bestest friend."
"Alexis – it is most pleasant to meet a friend of my beloved son, Aaron."
"What did you guys do today?"
"We painted and sang and played and practiced the alphabet," Alexis enlightened Mr. and Mrs. Grayson.
"It sounds like you had a lot of fun. Can I get you two together in a picture?"
Aaron slung his arm around Alexis' shoulders, grinning, and Richard took the picture. Alexis then gave a shriek as her father came into sight. "Bye, Aaron," she said, hugging him kissing his cheek. Aaron blushed, but looked, nonetheless, pleased. Richard chuckled to himself. Only five and already a hit with the ladies…it reminded him strongly of himself at that age. Bruce and Emily turned up a minute later, and Raven prepared to teleport back. Aaron managed to catch Alexis's eye once more and wave before the black aura enclosed everyone. He didn't know how, but he knew that this was the beginning of a wonderful friendship.
HOORAY! I am SO SORRY that that took so long to post, but I got major writer's block. Anyway, what did you think? Please tell me. I want your opinions. I have some WONDERFUL NEWS!
The news: her name is Sydney Mae last name is not your business, and she was born last Tuesday! I am a happy cousin!
The name pole from the end of last chapter is down to:
Kai, Aidan, and Ethan. Please vote!
You know the drill, my fellow FANatics!
Peace 'n luv, GUCIGIRL