10. Joining Up.
The feeling was there, apparent yet elusive, it was definitely not a good feeling, but until it was identified as a threat he blatantly refused to do anything about it. It came back stronger than before and all was made clear. Beast Boy shot up and falling of his top bunk crawled towards the bathroom. A few moments later he returned looking pleased with himself.
"Ha, no wetting the bed for me."
He said happily. Looking around his room he noticed just how dark it was, for most this would not be troubling, however for Beast Boy it was a strange occurrence. It was obviously day time, but it was still quite dark. Just why this was became apparent a few seconds later when fishing through a pile of clutter he found his alarm clock.
"Eight thirty!"
He shouted horrified, the actual time was closer to seven, however to say the later time somehow felt better. Collapsing back into bed he tried to fall back to sleep, normally this would have been simple but not this morning. Something was nagging at him, something he had forgotten, just what it was however was not apparent to his groggy mind.
"Hmmmm, oh that's right, cool."
He said as realisation dawned across his green face. Chris was here, and he had mentioned last night that he wanted to get even with Cyborg for something, something he had said. The opportunity to have actual willing assistance with a prank was just too good to miss. So he had let Chris in on a little secret of his, about a plan in the making, he had seemed game, and what better time to do it than now while their intended victim was soundly recharging in his room. Giggling fiendishly he quickly dressed and stole out of his room.
He made a beeline for the newest Titans room and knocked on the door. There was no response. He tried again slightly louder, still nothing. More decisive action would be needed it seemed. Exactly two minuets and twelve seconds later Beast Boy, tired of being polite, barged his way into the darkened room, the result being that he, several large boxes full of assorted junk and a significant number of shelves went tumbling to the ground, creating a mess and noise to be proud of.
"Owwwwwwww, this could take some explaining."
He shouted and then muttered as he realised that at least he was alone in the now devastated room. Standing he pondered whether to follow his first instinct, which was to flee, or to remain and attempt to put right what he had done. As it happened he decided on neither. Looking past the mess before him he noticed a small pile of photographs held down by the medallion on the desk, next to which lay Chris's Titan communicator, the medallion he had seen on the first morning after Chris's arrival.
It occurred to him that what he was about to do could be classified as snooping, but in that spur of the moment attitude that seemed to drive him Beast Boy decided to risk it. Moving to the desk he picked up the medallion and looked at it, the image on the front was that of someone carrying what looked like a small child across water, it meant nothing to Beast Boy, the inscription that had been badly carved onto the back however was a sobering look into the newest addition to the team.
"Ok, freaky."
He said to himself, then placing the medallion back on the desk he proceeded to rifle through the assorted photographs. In most similar situations Beast Boy's excellent senses would have alerted him to the unseen figures approach, unfortunately for him, this particular person was moving quietly and he was far too engrossed in the photographs. The first inkling he had that he was not alone was when from the doorway came a calm and uninterested, but nevertheless surprising and potentially heart stopping monotone.
"What are you doing?"
The voice had not been threatening, nor had it even seemed mildly annoyed, the sheer surprise of it however was enough to ensure that the photographs endured a brief drop to the junk littered floor. Spinning round Beast Boy was both relived and frightened by who he saw. Raven stood unsmiling and unmoving in front of him, her eyes gave the room a once over and then boring into his seemed to read his mind.
"Yes, you should be frightened."
Despite living alongside Raven for a significant amount of time since the beginning of the Titans formation Beast Boy had still not figured her out, as far as he was concerned she was an unknown factor in a very difficult mathematical equation. Despite his attempts to get to know her she had remained purposefully distant and cold, perplexed at this he had tried all the harder but had only succeeded in driving he farther inside her own cold shell. He had nevertheless since those early days done his best to get Raven to laugh or even smile, so far the only notable success had been when he had accidentally set himself on fire while cooking breakfast one morning.
That had warranted a slight grin at least. Not that all this really mattered at this particular moment, the only real thing he knew for sure was that if it had been her room instead of Chris's then he would have already been reduced to a smouldering crater. Deciding to try and weasel his way out of it he began what would turn out to be a pointless excuse.
"It wasn't my fault, I came to wake Chris up and these boxes fell over, then I tried to clean the mess up when you came in."
Raven once again scanned the mess now decorating the floor.
"Nice job."
She said coldly, Beast Boy was sure that she could read his mind, as a result he began to feel very nervous as the images of just what she could do to him began to flash through his head, they could be inspiration for the dark beauty's possibly sadistic punishment. Raven took a step into the room and proceeded to pick the photographs up using her power, in one delicate and precise flick of her wrists she set them down neatly on the desk. Afterwards she turned on her heel and proceeded to leave the room. Beast Boy was both puzzled and relived.
"Hey Rae, aren't you going to yell and stuff?"
From outside the door came a sigh and then the cold response.
"No, I don't deem you worthy, and besides Chris will probably do it for me."
The answer was not what Beast Boy had wanted to hear.
"No Rae please, you aren't going to tell are you, it was just a mistake, and besides you could clear it up in seconds with you're powers."
From outside again there came another sigh, then a pause as if Raven had thought of something.
"Firstly, my name is Raven and not Rae, make the mistake again and I will do worse than tell on you, Secondly, I am not going to clean this mess up, that can be you're punishment, and Thirdly make sure that when you see Chris you give him his communicator, its on the desk."
Beast Boy quickly turned and looked at the communicator, why was she concerned about that when there was a life or death situation like this. It suddenly dawned on him that Raven hadn't actually answered the question as to whether she was going to inform Chris; he decided to ask again hoping that the answer would be in the negative.
"But Rae⦠Raven, are you going to tell?"
The response he would have liked to hear didn't return, in fact none came, sticking his head out of the door he was just quick enough to see her cloak disappear around the corner towards the stairs that led to the main room. Panic set in, would she tell, would Chris be mad, where was he, and how long would it take for Raven to find him and then for him to return? These questions were all ones that he couldn't answer, he decided to make the most of his time and try to remove the mess he had created. After all, who would Chris believe, him, being the lovable rouge that he was or some creepy chick of the night who never cracked a joke or even a smile. The answer was not in any doubt, or at least it wouldn't be when the Englishman in question returned to find his room in tatters. Clutching the first box he began to hurriedly fill it with the junk littering the floor, it was not a good start to the day.
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That had been mildly amusing, it wasn't every day she had the most annoying member of the team over a barrel like that. She wouldn't tell Chris directly, she might drop a few hints, that way she would have the pleasure of watching Chris try and work out just what she was talking about, perhaps Beast Boy would even end up giving himself away, that would be amusing, and was even how she had planned it. Only time would tell though whether her spur of the moment plan would come off, she hoped so, that would be a fine start to the day. She stepped softly down the stairs, no real motive for going to the main room other than not wanting to end up holed up in her own room with Beast Boy hammering at her door.
It occurred to Raven that Chris would most likely be there, being as he was obviously absent from his own room. She didn't want company this early in the morning, she was also slightly angry, she couldn't be sure but she had the distinct feeling that she had been woken up by some sort of noise, possibly an alarm, she had not been able to get back to sleep afterwards and had eventually decided to get up after hearing the loud crash of the boxes, just what it had been was unimportant, the fact remained that she had been dragged from her merciful oblivion and back into the cruel realities of conscious physical existence.
From behind the door to the main room came the sound of Robin's loud music, sighing to herself Raven moved into the room, it annoyed her that Robin could be so inconsiderate at times, while she respected him as a brave team member and leader, it still fazed her that he could make such a racket with absolutely no regard for others. Walking into the room she was surprised at what she saw, Robin and Chris were standing in the kitchen area talking loudly to one another, although with the music blaring away what exactly they were saying was not apparent. Starfire was sitting on the sofa watching them keenly. When Raven walked in Starfire flew over and welcomed her with the usual overflow of verbal emotion.
"Oh good morning friend Raven, it warms me to no end to see you on such a fine day."
Raven looked out of the large windows at the sky, Starfire was right it was turning into a fine day, the sun was out and there was not a cloud to be seen in the clear blue sky. Not that she would ever verbally acknowledge the fact.
"If you say so."
She drawled in her customary monotone. Starfire continued to smile despite the extinguishing retort. After a few seconds she looked again towards Robin and Chris who still having not spotted Raven were now sitting and eating with their backs turned, unaware of what they were saying Raven was nevertheless able to watch their highly animated conversation and guess that they were discussing some form of combat. Starfire's question brought her focus away from the talking pair and resulted in a familiarly raised eye-brow.
"Friend I wish to ask you a question on the relationships which earth boys hold for one another."
Not exactly sure if she was comprehending the question in the correct way Raven decided to make this apparent.
"Starfire, just what are you asking me?"
She asked the taller alien girl, not entirely sure she wanted to know. Starfire seemed puzzled for a second, as if she had simply asked the time of day and Raven was being unnecessarily awkward. After a moments pause she once again glanced over to the kitchen area and its inhabitants, looking back she said.
"I am inquiring into the recent behaviour of our friends."
She indicated Robin and Chris. Raven obviously unaware of her 'friends' behaviour simply nodded, hoping that she would not be drawn into a lengthy conversation. Starfire it would seem had other ideas.
"Is it usual for earth boys to beat each other with large pieces of wood while talking about one another's homelands, as well as where they learnt to fight, and then to seem better friends afterwards?"
Raven looked surprised at this rather revealing sentence, taking a closer look at the talkative pair she noticed two things, one Chris was holding his shoulder as if it troubled him, and Robin who had gotten up presumably to change the music was limping ever so slightly.
Raven rolled her eyes, it didn't take much imagination to guess what had happened, and by 'large pieces of wood' Starfire probably meant Robin's training staffs. As for the talk of homelands and where they both learnt to fight, she assumed that the obvious curiosity between British and American, green and veteran Titan had made its first appearance, and probably not the last, she thought.
"Boys."
Was her simple and to the point remark.
"Then this is normal?"
Asked Starfire, assuming Raven's statement of frustration to be something more than what it was.
"It may prove to be so."
Said Raven darkly. Starfire looked puzzled for a moment and then asked.
"Why did friend Robin refer to friend Chris as a 'coat of red', despite his visible attire not matching that description at all?"
Raven closed her eyes at this, while she knew the answer, and could probably even explain it quite well, she was in no mood to go into the intricacies of 18th century history, at least not this early in the morning, and not with someone like Starfire who not only wouldn't understand fully, but was highly likely to become upset at the mention of war.
"Morning Raven."
Robin said cheerfully breaking her train of thought and saving her from having to tell Starfire that she didn't know the answer, as he turned the music off she looked up to respond as Chris also turned to face her. She looked coldly at the pair who were now exchanging bemused looks.
"Been testosterone overdosing have you?"
She asked sarcastically walking over to them with Starfire trailing puzzled behind. Again the two injured males exchanged looks, this time however they were amused looks, like those of naughty school children.
"Just sparring in the gym Raven, cant help it if we have a new first class member on the team."
Chris smiled at his own mention and said in a very upper class accent.
"Oh thank you darling, I assure you the pleasure was all mine, as were most of the injuries."
Rolling her eyes Raven proceeded to head for the fridge, intending to find something to eat, and thus lessen her time spent socialising. Chris stood up and in a surprisingly timid voice considering his previously bold statement said.
"Here I've already got something ready, cheese toasty sandwich do ya for breakfast?"
While slightly puzzled at Chris's attitude towards her Raven was nevertheless not going to miss an opportunity to have someone else make her a meal, something that this mysteries Englishman seemed to be good at. Nodding she returned to the dining table and sat down, she wished for a moment that she had brought a book to read, but it seemed that Chris was as good as his word, he had indeed been ready with her food, only needing to briefly heat it up and then cut it into quarters. She looked down at the four cheese oozing objects and then gave Chris a look which was accompanied by the sarcastic statement.
"I see you really made an effort this morning."
Chris seemed unable to respond at first, something Raven would not have expected from him, after a few second pause though he simply looked at the floor and shuffled uneasily.
"It was the best I could do with what was available, sorry."
She was struck by a mild feeling of guilt, this was increased to a fair feeling when the eyes of both Robin and Starfire glared at her with disapproving looks, sighing she turned back to the now glum looking Chris and said.
"I was being sarcastic, I'm sure this is the very best anybody could have done, without resorting to waffles or tofu that is."
At this Chris looked up and smiled, then realising he was looking her in the eye went quickly back to his own nearly finished sandwich. Not sure exactly why he was acting like this Raven decided it was probably just some form of shyness or perhaps he was even trying to be nice to her for services rendered on the roof, either way it was probably for the best, at least like this he wouldn't bother her anymore than necessary. Several seconds later this hope suffered its first major setback.
"Tea?"
Chris asked. Raven would have sighed, for no other reason other than the fact that her hopes to be left alone had been stonewalled so quickly, however considering the fact that it was a single worded question that required no verbal response and that it was also another offer for free service she did not. Instead she nodded and watched as he turned his back once more, he was being a strange mix of friendly and shy, something she didn't really mind if he continued to act like he currently was.
"So friends, as I was conversating before the loud ear hurting tunes were initiated, will we be venturing to the mall of shopping this fine glorious day?"
Asked Starfire merrily clasping her hands together as if in prair. Robin looked at Chris and then answered.
"I don't see why not Star, after all, Chris will need some new gear, and besides we need to get the weeks groceries."
Starfire simply beamed at Robin, deeply Raven felt the emotions flowing from Starfire like a leaky tap, it had long been apparent to Raven that Starfire was attracted to the leader of the team, but just whether her feelings were returned, not even the young sorceress knew.
Knowing what would soon come; Raven took a significant bite of the first quarter of her breakfast, and was surprised to find that the taste was quite acceptable. She also looked up as a steaming cup of tea was placed in front of her, from the smell alone she could tell it was her favourite brand, this is becoming a disturbing yet pleasant habit, Raven thought to herself, pondering as she did so just whether it was luck or that he knew somehow, and if so how?
"Friend Raven, will you be joining us in our venture to the mall of shopping?"
Chewing loudly Raven hoped that the conversation would move on, unfortunately for her it did not.
"Well friend, surely you cannot spend such an abundantly splendid day in the darkened interior of your room."
Swallowing and then sighing Raven was slightly disappointed that she would be forced to answer; even so it would only cost her a small one.
"No."
She said simply, and none present thought it worthwhile to try and convince her otherwise. A short difficult silence followed, Raven simply continued to eat, still cursing herself for not bringing a book. Finally the quiet was shattered as tentatively Chris ventured forth a question.
"When will that be taking place?"
Robin thought for a moment before answering.
"I don't know, soon I suppose, there is some paperwork that you need to do, just to tie up the official ends of you're becoming an official Titan, after that though the rest of the day is free, or at least most of it."
Chris nodded, apparently satisfied, Raven however noticed the true hidden meaning behind Robin's last words, Chris's initiation had not taken place the previous night because of the rather short notice of everything, tonight however, it would seem the ritual would go ahead, and judging by the limp Robin was displaying, it would be a rough one. Smiling inwardly she continued to listen to the conversation, taking no active part but comprehending all.
"Oh, that's good, I kinda need a shower and a haircut anyway, not to mention I need to try and salvage some of my better clothes from my bag."
Said Chris, looking everywhere but towards Raven.
"Oh please friend, may I have the honour of manipulating you're hair, it is something that I have grown very fond of while here on you're planet, the earthly ways of hair decorating are of infinite wonder to me."
On the inside Raven, and she suspected Robin also, were screaming at Chris to turn down the offer unless he wanted to end up looking like a drag queen come on hard times. There was a moment of indecision in his eyes as he looked to both Robin and herself for advice, none came.
"Er, sure."
The feeling of frustration inside Raven was enormous, and was heightened ever more by Starfire's girlish squealing.
"Oh joyest occasions, I am looking forward to the initiation of this act."
Chris looked somewhat less sure now that he realised just what he had done.
"Ok."
He said with a distinct foreboding about his face. Although she would never admit it Raven was almost annoyed by what she had just witnessed, in her mind it was like watching a train speeding towards a downed bridge. All in all a very annoying event, serves him right, he will learn a valuable lesson from this, she thought to herself. Finishing her food she started to stand up when Chris with speed that helped explain Robin's limp grabbed both her and his plates and strode of to the sink, where he proceeded to wash them.
"Er Chris, just because you're the new guy and all, it doesn't mean you have to do all the chores and stuff, just so you know."
Said Robin standing and handing over his own now empty plate.
"I know."
Said Chris happily.
"Still it's the least I can do, you guys saved my life, probably twice in the long run, and then you gave me a new one, so I suppose I am going to have to work pretty hard to make up for three lives."
Robin exchanged looks with both Raven and Starfire before responding back.
"You don't owe us three lives, and besides I'm sure that in the future you'll repay us, we will always need someone to be watching our backs sometime."
Chris turned and looked at Robin, it seemed to Raven that he was on the verge of some sarcastic comment, probably one that would put himself down in the process, her suspicions were proven wrong though, when catching her eye he quickly turned back to the now clean plates and busied himself, doing apparently nothing. Nobody seemed to notice, but even so it was enough that she herself had noticed, Chris certainly seemed to change his attitude frequently she thought.
"Please friends, will my presence be required before the slicing of the hair?"
Robin shook his head and Chris seemed to perk up at the word 'slicing'.
"I will then retire to my room to make preparations, please come to my humble abode when you are ready friend."
Starfire said directing the later half of the statement towards Chris, who nodded glumly. Starfire left the room and the doors had no sooner closed than Robin began to relay just how big a mistake Chris had made, even Raven herself felt compelled to comment.
"You may not live to regret that decision."
"What do you mean?"
Robin said amused, and Chris enquired with rapidly growing eyes.
"What Robin means is that you have just placed every single follicle of you're, shall we say ample hair, in the hands of one of the most fanatical and possibly insane hairdressers this side of known space, put simply, you'll be lucky to come out of her room with any hair at all."
At this Chris placed his hands in his scruffy hair as if to confirm it was still there, won't be for long though, Raven thought to herself with an internal giggle.
"I assume you speak from first hand experience?"
He said now looking somewhat downhearted. Robin was quick to answer.
"She doesn't mean any harm, honestly she doesn't, but well."
Robin looked to Raven for support. She gave what she intended to be her final input into this particular conversation.
"But, she tends to do so, not intentionally but her ways are strange and well, alien, so don't be surprised if you come out of there wearing ribbons."
Chris moaned loudly, as if the prospect of ribbons in his messy hair amounted to a death sentence or worse.
"What should I do?"
He asked of both other Titans in a voice that hinted at desperation. Standing and finishing the last of her tea Raven intended to ignore the question and leave for the roof, content that the others would be busy enough this day to allow her some peace and quiet for meditation. Fate it would seem was in top form that particular Monday morning. As she neared the bottom of the few steps that led to the central door, the doorway in question opened to reveal Beast Boy looking flustered and somewhat panic stricken, the sight of Raven glaring up at him didn't seem to do him any good at all.
"Morning."
He all but shouted in a panicked voice. Robin and Chris looked up from the table and responded together in slightly bemused voices.
"Er, morning."
Raven stood for a moment continuing to glare angrily up at Beast Boy, she felt no actual anger, but thoroughly enjoyed the apparent fear that she had instilled in her least favourite green team mate. Beast Boy edged past her and walked hurriedly over towards Chris; he produced a Titans communicator and handed it to the surprised Englishman.
"Here, you left this in you're room."
Chris took the communicator and smiled down slightly at Beast Boy.
"Thanks."
He said, then looking somewhat confused he gave Robin a slight glance before saying.
"You've been in my room then?"
Beast Boy seemed to freeze as he realised how he had unwittingly gone from Scott free to caught red handed. Raven's lips curved slightly as she turned to leave the room, it was just as she had planned it, and that was something to smile about. Content in the knowledge that her split second plan had come off perfectly, and with the feeling heightened by the look Beast Boy was giving her, only now actually realising that he had in fact been taken for a fool by the clever sorceress, she began the small climb to the top of the stairs and exit from the room. Alas for her there were still cards fate could play to frustrate. The door opened again to admit Cyborg, apparently cheerful about something.
"Morning y'all!"
He shouted boisterously striding down the stairs and ruffling Raven's hair as he passed. While her first instinct was to separate the human parts of Cyborg from those that weren't, she nevertheless managed to restrict her response to an angry glare. She pulled up her hood and quickly left, desperately hoping as she did so that Starfire wouldn't choose that moment to appear.
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Watching her go Chris felt a slight disappointment, although the feeling of relief was enough to compensate, the apparent 'crush' he felt had somewhat lessened, the previous nights celebrations had at first been quite difficult, being as he was almost rendered insensible by Raven's presence. Luckily for him it had soon became apparent that the feeling was not quite as intense as it had first appeared, while he still felt awkward, a fact that his performance of a few moments before had soundly proven, he was now at least able to think pretty straight.
As far as he was concerned Raven was now classified as a mine, something to be treated with respect and avoided if possible, and definitely not something which he should handle. As these thoughts passed through his head Chris inwardly swore, he suspected that his momentary weakness that had led to 'the hug' was solely responsible for his current predicament. At the time he had not noticed anything, now however it was all too apparent just how much he longed for a repeat of the pleasant embrace. Shaking his head Chris drove the image from his mind, never going to happen, ever, he told himself.
"Too right mate."
Added the voice, David, as the contemptible figment of his imagination was now called, had been active all morning since the training incident with Robin, and was partly responsible for his rather unsure attitude towards Raven previously.
"Well you cant blame me can you, I mean fine, I'm sure somewhere on this world there is some blind deaf girl who would only be too happy to enter a relationship with you, however, Raven does not fit that description, so don't waste you're and my time on a lost cause."
It wasn't that Chris disagreed, in fact he was pretty sure that David was right, even so the sheer condescending attitude with which the voice seemed to regard him significantly annoyed Chris. The voice was not real, David didn't exist, at least not this side of death, and the fact that he was being ridiculed by something that didn't exist was not a cheerful though. Determined to block out the voice, occasionally helpful and right as it was, Chris concentrated on the conversation between all of the male Titans before him.
"Yeah, all lads together, makes me sick."
Added David, as if only to ensure that Chris knew that he would never be silenced.
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He was glad that Chris was here; although he was not particularly glad that Robin and Beast Boy were here too, it would make things much more difficult. Eager as he was to begin what would prove to be a very enjoyable day, Cyborg was even more eager to claim Chris as a possible understudy, he knew too that the others would also be trying this soon, so it was probably best to get in quickly, the fact that he had been last to arrive didn't help, but even so he would still do his best.
"So what's happenin?"
He asked in a merry voice.
"Not much, just going to get Chris officially signed up and then he has an appointment with the hair butcher."
Said Robin in an amused voice. At first Cyborg was unsure just what he meant, a few seconds later he understood though, whew, sometimes it's good to be bald, he thought to himself. At Robin's words Chris had looked up and given a smile that really didn't seem to be how he actually felt.
"And afterwards we're going to the mall with said butcher."
Added Chris un-enthusiastically.
"Oh."
Said Cyborg, inside angry for being last to arrive. He sat down next to Beast Boy who was glumly tucking in to a cheese toasty of some sort.
"Is there one of them for me?"
He asked, indicating Beast Boy's slowly disappearing food. No sooner had the words left his mouth than a soft 'ping' announced that there indeed was.
"There is now."
Said Chris standing and moving over to the microwave, returning a few moments later with an identical toasted cheese sandwich on it.
"Live it up."
Said Chris sarcastically. Unimpressive as the food looked Cyborg ate it regardless, and was forced to admit that for an obvious 'scratch meal' Chris had done well.
"Nicely done, mister chef."
He said to Chris, who returned one of his polite little bows. Even though he seemed to have missed his chance Cyborg was determined to at least make an attempt at catching Chris's interest on the engineering and technology side of being a Titan.
"So Chris, perhaps when all this stuff is done and you come back from the mall, well perhaps you would like to get familiar with the towers systems, maybe we could even make a start on you're equipment and weapons."
Cyborg noticed that Chris significantly perked up at the mention of 'weapons', gotcha, he thought to himself.
"Weapons?"
Chris enquired almost warily. Cyborg realised just what a golden opportunity he had, an opportunity to snatch an assistant out of this particular recruit, or at the very least someone that would show more than a casual interest in the side of the job that he was all too often left to handle. Cyborg didn't mind, not much anyway, the only thing that vexed him was the fact that on the whole the Titans never seemed particularly interested in just how much work he put into everything they saw around them.
Starfire and Beast Boy could be excused for their lack of enthusiasm, being as it was that neither of them actually understood just what he was doing most of the time. Robin and even Raven however had no excuse, Robin used his fine handiwork on a day to day basis, and Raven, well, despite her surprising amount of interest in some of the things he often constructed, her usual monotone response of 'this device serves no purpose' really was not what he wanted to hear after a long days building. Chris however seemed different, he had asked Cyborg many many questions about himself and the tower, one or two of which even he couldn't answer. This eagerness to learn about all aspects of being a Titan, even the somewhat less glamorous sides that few ever saw was encouraging. It was this interest that Cyborg now hoped to exploit in his crusade to acquire a lab partner.
"Sure, you don't expect to stop the bad guys with nothing other than you're fists, do you?"
Cyborg said. Chris seemed to ponder the question for a moment, then realising that it was totally true he brightened visibly.
"That will be good, now maybe I can have a hope against ninja boy here."
He said rubbing his shoulder with one hand and indicating the now smiling Robin with the other. Cyborg didn't smile, he realised what this meant, it meant that Robin had gotten in first, he wanted Chris for a sparring partner, not that Cyborg could blame him, Beast Boy was far to immature to train one on one, Raven refused, saying that she would only engage in team training and that the rest she would do alone, he himself, when not busy was not a suitable partner, their fighting styles were far too different, also they both knew each others tricks, so an eventual stalemate would ensue, Robin was just too fast and he himself proved to be built far too sturdily, unless he was allowed to use his cannon, which he wasn't, at least not inside.
That only left Starfire, and while the outcome usually ended in Robin exhausted and Starfire floating around the room happily cheering herself the true outcome would always be in doubt because the fact remained that neither of them ever went all out against one another, the simple reason for that being that there was obviously something between them, though Cyborg would only ever hint towards it when he wanted to annoy Robin.
"So you two have been in the gym already then?"
Robin nodded and Chris put sarcastic emphasis on giving a 'thumbs up'.
"Yeah we had a decent session a while back, he's good you know, gave me a run for my money, almost came out on top, almost."
There was definite emphasis on the 'almost', it would seem that Chris had indeed proven himself to be a worthy opponent.
"And I don't think there will be time for equipment today Cyborg; we still need to see just what Chris can do, which will mean a few more gym sessions."
Cyborg frowned, Chris looked up.
"It will?"
He asked.
"Yes, you and me need to try that again, with different weapons, or perhaps with none at all, only then will we be able to see what type of fighting you are best at, and how to integrate you into the team most effectively."
Chris seemed pleased, if not at the prospect then with the strategic wizardry that it had been delivered. Cyborg however was far from happy, he had missed his chance, but would still do his best, Chris was interested in weapons it would seem, that would be his angle, and at some point at least he would be required to accompany Cyborg down to the workshop, that would be when Cyborg would try to catch his interest.
"Ok then, perhaps tomorrow, we will need to know just what you can use before we start to design and make anything."
He said in what he hoped would sound like an unconcerned tone. After all, Chris could spar in the gym with Robin and still have time to help him with the engineering aspects of life as a Titan, unless of course everyone else wanted a chunk of him, unlikely really, Cyborg thought to himself, he seriously doubted that Chris would be immature enough to spend his time with Beast Boy trying to pull childish pranks, also he was almost one hundred percent sure that he wouldn't be wanting to spend too much time alone with Starfire, especially if his impending haircut went badly, least likely of all though was that he would be spending his time around Raven, not unless she wanted a meditation partner, which he doubted very much.
So all in all it would seem that there was hope for him yet.
"Ok then Chris, lets get that paper work done, you don't want to keep Starfire waiting, the more eager she is the worse it will be I expect, and she's already pretty up for it."
Said Robin standing and walking over towards the door, Chris looked at the others, nodded and then followed. Cyborg watched them go, then turning back to Beast Boy realised just how quiet he had been, a rare occurrence indeed with the changeling.
"What's the matter with you?"
He asked with a puzzled expression as he waited for a response.
"Nothing."
Beast Boy replied unhappily.
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Chris was right behind him as he hit the button to call the lift. There were a few seconds of waiting and then with a soft ping and click the doors opened. Robin indicated for Chris to proceed into the doorway, Chris did so and Robin followed hitting the required button to send them on their way. There was a moment of silence, broken only by the soft humming of the lift mechanism as it took them down a few floors.
"So er, just what sort of paper work is it that I must fill in?"
Asked Chris tentatively. Robin looked up from the floor and smiled, it seemed that Chris was severely lacking in confidence, even the prospect of the paperwork had him unsure of himself, at least he can handle combat, Robin thought.
"Nothing much, just a few signatures and that's it really."
Chris looked like he hadn't been fooled by the rather thin and divisionary answer. At that moment however the lift ground to a halt and the doors slid open.
"Here we are."
Said Robin and quickly left the lift, forcing Chris to jog a few paces to keep level. A few seconds later and they arrived outside a door. The door opened and revealed a room Robin knew all to well, it was covered in newspaper articles, wanted posters, filing cabinets, scattered crime files and profiles, not to mention all manner of other information, had Robin been forced to name this room he would have called it his thinking room, it was here that he tried to unravel the mystery that was the criminal mind, tried to solve the most confusing of puzzles.
Raven had once contemptuously called it the 'Sherlock' room. While he had not been happy about the remark at the time he now secretly liked the title, though he would never admit it he was somehow honoured to even slightly resemble such a legendary if fictional crime fighter. He was just pondering whether Chris would also be fond of the name considering his nationality, when he realised that the Englishman in question was staring at him.
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Chris watched the boy wonder; he seemed to be thinking about something, just what he could not be sure, although he was almost positive that Robin had displayed the smallest hint of a smile.
"Right then."
Robin suddenly said, apparently catching on to Chris's waiting.
"You just need to sign these few documents, and then it's officially welcome to the team; I don't think that we need to celebrate like we did last night though."
Chris pulled out a chair and sat down, he then took a pencil from an empty coffee mug, there were many of them, and Chris suspected that this had been the scene of many 'all nighters' in the past. He looked at the first document that Robin had taken from a cabinet and placed before him. Chris was no lawyer, but it was obvious that this was some sort of official secrets act, he signed without hesitation, never would he betray his friends, he might fail them, but never intentionally. Next came a thick document that seemed to drone on forever, not really wanting to read it all, nor sign it with out knowing just what it was he asked Robin.
"What's this one all about?"
Robin looked away from a wanted poster he had been staring at.
"Wha, oh that ones the most complicated, simply because we have to include other parties in it."
Chris frowned, that answer could have come from Beast Boy, it was so unhelpful.
"Yeeeessssss, but what actually is it?"
It was Robin's turn to frown; it was obvious to Chris that the boy wonder didn't really want to have to explain it.
"Put very simply, it entitles you to all the privileges that the rest of the Titans get from the city, basically, for services rendered we get free electricity, water and all the other technical stuff that entertains Cyborg, so you have to be registered or technically you are living here for free on the taxpayers money, which some would frown upon, oh, it also entitles you to the typical Titans pay."
Chris raised an eye brow, he hadn't really expected this.
"So we Titans get paid?"
He asked in as casual a tone as he could manage. Robin nodded in the affirmative. It somehow hadn't occurred to him that legendary people such as the Teen Titans could have anything as ordinary as a wage packet. Quickly scanning the index at the beginning of the lengthy document he found what he was looking for, turned to the appropriate page and looked for numbers. A few seconds later he glanced up at Robin with a look of distaste on his face.
"Well that's generous of them."
He said in such a blatantly sarcastic tone that even Raven would have been impressed. Robin smiled and nodded.
"Its not so bad really, there were some who didn't think we deserved anything at all, added to that we only have to pay for food, drink and other stuff we want, so that's enough to keep us happy, though Beast Boy usually complains, about not being able to afford some things, never useful stuff though."
Chris nodded; it seemed a raw deal in his opinion, to risk your life daily, to save others, to be a defender of the city, and still to be paid less than most soldiers or mercenaries would.
"Its not surprising that there are so many bad guys about if this is what the good guys get paid."
Again Robin smiled and nodded.
"So are you having second thoughts, of would you like to be an underpaid 'good guy' now?"
He said in a mildly amused tone while still smiling. Chris raised his eyebrows and tilted his head to either side in mock consideration.
"Hmmmm, I don't know, difficult decision, pays awful, jobs cool, scenery changes from mission to mission, conversation seems fair depending on who I am talking to, and I don't have to sleep in the rain."
He scratched his chin for effect, Robin simply sighed.
"I guess I could risk it."
Chris said happily as he signed his name on the dotted line, he paused for a moment.
"Er do I have to sign this with my real name?"
Robin nodded, Chris sighed.
"Well will you keep my second name to yourself; I know you already know but even so, keep it schtum, ok?"
Robin seemed slightly surprised but still reacted quickly.
"I will keep your identity a secret if you so wish, and how do you know I already know?"
Chris realised that he had given something away and inwardly cursed.
"Well you know when I fell asleep on the couch?"
Robin nodded but didn't wait for an answer.
"You weren't asleep then?"
Chris chuckled guiltily and nodded before adding.
"At least not all of the time."
Robin grunted and watched as Chris guided the pencil over the document. Having done that several more forms followed, by the third Chris was not content.
"I thought you said there was only a 'little' paper work."
He said, the annoyance in his voice clear. Robin grinned and handed over the fourth. Chris sighed and looked at it; he didn't like what he saw.
"This is inspiring."
He said sarcastically. Inside his head David made a predictably unhelpful comment.
"Ah, the plot thickens."
Ignoring the comment Chris concentrated on the rather sobering document before him. It hadn't really occurred to him up until now, he had pondered at just how dangerous the job was, but he simply hadn't gone as far as to think that the Titans, these immortal crime fighting heroes could perish in the line of duty, but here, here was proof that it could happen.
He wasn't scared, he was willing to throw himself into danger, for the last six months death hadn't really seemed all that big a deal, but now, now that he had something to lose, and more importantly had friends to fail, the stakes had just risen significantly. The pencil hovered over the document, he knew he must sign it, he couldn't not, but for some reason in his suspicious, superstitious and now slightly worried mind, it just seemed to be asking for trouble, like the very signing of the document would seal his fate by it. He sighed and signed, glad that it was done and over with, or at least he would have been if that had been the case. Robin leant forward and turned the page. Chris groaned as he saw a mind numbingly complicated set of checkboxes and options.
"Can I fill these in at a later date, I mean I have signed it but I would just like a while to ponder all this."
Robin looked uneasy, then looking at the door as if expecting to see someone listening in said.
"Ok, fine, but I will need it done by the end of the day, Ok?"
Chris nodded and smiled slightly.
"Sure, thanks."
Robin took the completed forms and placed them back into the cabinet from whence they came, then turning back to the still seated teen said.
"Well then, 'officially' welcome to the team."
He stretched out a hand, which Chris stood and accepted, they both grinned, lost it would seem in the camaraderie of the moment. Pulling away Chris stood to mock attention and saluted.
"Sah, Private Chris reporting for orders, Sah!"
He shouted in as close to a sergeant majors voice as he could muster. Robin smiled and returned the salute, quite well Chris noticed.
"Right then private, get up to Starfire's room for your military haircut, and don't call me sir."
"Sah!"
Chris shouted as he turned, gave an immaculate salute and fell out, grabbing the unfinished form as he went. Robin sighed and followed him through the door.
"You know this is only a suggestion but it may be wise for you to take a shower first."
Chris stopped and looked round.
"I intend to, but even so, 'Sir', what makes you say that?"
Robin looked uneasy and then simply answered the question with.
"It will probably do your reputation no harm, plus I have the feeling that Starfire will be in the habit of removing anything that she deems, not pretty."
Chris looked slightly worried and then nodded.
"Yes Robin, I take your point."
With that Chris shambled off listening to David's gloomy predictions about just what disaster the haircut would become. Behind him Robin watched his departure enviously.
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Hurrah, number ten done, sweeping away all others in the longest to write and most difficult margin. Of course taking into account the fact that this chapter and the next were originally one, be glad that you didn't get them both in one helping. With this chapter down I have officially pulled level in the great 'chapters vs. reviews race'; if it was not for the efforts of princessdza and Transient Turnip then I suspect I would be well ahead. Anyway thanks to those mentioned for your helpful and in Turnips case partially scathing reviews. Either way thanks. Highly unlikely than number eleven will follow quickly, but stranger things have happened. Please review and give me your ideas, tips and opinions, which will always be welcomed and appreciated.
