Author's Note: This felt a little rushed, so I apologize in advance. Oh, and happy Valentine's Day folks.

I reposted this chapter and replaced the work 'Alex' with Mark. Let me explain, at the beginning I really wanted to use the name Alex because it seems, at least to me, like the 'perfect guy' name. I also have a friend named Alex who's birthday was on Valentine's Day so that might have been something.

And to answer the question why Graham, it seemed like an 'all-american' name that's to too cliche, like Johnson or Smith.

Disclaimer: I don't own the Teen Titans or Dave and Busters.

Chapter 3

Every solution to a problem creates new problems of its own

I was pacing. I never thought I'd see the day when I was anxious for a date, even if it was a fake one. I looked at the clock, 5:30. I still had plenty of time.

I had put on a simple combination of jeans and a snug purple cashmere v-neck sweater with all of the baubles and accessories perfectly matching. It was the most effort I put into an outfit in a long time. Now don't let its simplicity fool you, it was a miracle outfit. The one that totally works yet looks as if you threw it together at the last minute. And it didn't do a damn thing to cheer me up, here I was ready an hour and a half early for a date that I had to pay to pretend to go out with me to impress a person I didn't even like. My life was just falling into place.

I thought seriously about cancelling, calling Kori up and telling her the truth. But I'd already paid for Gar and as always with men; my investment was non-refundable. Besides, I could just imagine Tara's smug face of victory. Right now I really didn't want to see her at all, but better to do it with Mark by my side than without him.

Then the phone rang, I let it ring a while and the machine pick it up.

"Hey Rae-Rae," speak of the devil, "I was just calling to make sure you were coming. I'm really excited about tonight and I can't wait for you to see my date. I just meet him at the convenient store by my work and he's uber hot. But you can judge that for yourself. Well, see you tonight. And, oh, can't wait to see Mark."

She said his name with such sarcasm that I wanted to rip the machine out of the wall then shove it down her throat. Yeah, I know I said that she and I were okay now. Okay, so maybe I lied a little. We hung out together, sure enough but when it came to friendship we weren't the closest. As in so distant that if I had to choose 100 of my favourite people, she'd come in between Marilyn Manson and George Bush.

I sighed and walked over to the full length mirror in my room. The jeans were really tight, and really low cut, so much so that if I raised both my hand everyone would get an eyeful of stomach and hip bone. The v-neck was also pretty low cut, just enough to give a taste of cleavage, the long double looped sapphire necklace drawing more attention to it. It wasn't that I was wearing tight clothes; I wore tight clothes on a regular basis, though revealing tight clothes were another story. I was certainly going to get a lot of confused looks tonight, but once they see Mark they'd understand perfectly.

Around 6 o' clock, I left the house to pick up Gar. He had told me how he didn't have a car otherwise he'd be driving me. Yeah right. After we established the price for his services and method of payment at Starbucks, we'd talked about his character more. The way he had morphed the minimal amount of information I gave him to create the perfect, but at the same time not cheesy and clichéd, guy was astounding. I figured that if I had given him a pen and a pad of paper he could have written a biography on Mark Graham. When I asked him about how he got good at creating a back story he simply shrugged and said, "Character development workshops. Essential for serious actors."

Although, other than his amazing creativity and 'character development' skills, the guy was a total asshole. He kept asking about how my friends will react to meeting Mark for the first time, how much my friends knew about Mark, how I'd met Mark, how I felt about him, what I wanted to get out of the relationship, How attracted I was to him, had we slept together yet it felt like going to a couples counsellor without actually having a significant other. By the end, I was so damn sick of hearing about Mark I felt like I'd known him all my life. It felt like a real commitment. Finally, to end off the meeting, he had insisted that I pay for his drink and walked away without as much as a nod of acknowledgement.

Gar was waiting for me at the lobby of his apartment building. The moment I saw him, my depression started to lift. I'd forgotten how drop-dead gorgeous he was. But before, he'd merely been a good-looking struggling actor. Now-I wasn't sure how, it was more than just clothes and hair-he looked exactly like a twenty-nine year-old, gorgeous, successful, adventurous, sensitive, caring, Raven-adoring botanist. This was a man I would gladly parade in front of my friends to be poked and prodded all to make me look better. This was the man I was going to parade in front of my friends to be poked and prodded all to make me look better. And he was mine, all mine. I had the MasterCard cash withdrawal receipt to prove it.

"Wow," I told him as he got in the car, "You look great. I mean you did it. You are Mark. It's everything. The way you hold yourself, the clothes..." He was wearing faded carpenter's jeans with a dark brown crew cut sweater and a black blazer over everything. He looked professional but fun, like a guy who could show you a good time but not break your heart in the morning. He was perfect.

I didn't know why, but I kept talking, I think it was my nerves. I was afraid I'd get caught and make a bigger ass of myself than before.

"You really put a lot of thought into this didn't you? I thought you were going to drive me crazy with all those questio-"

Gar held up a hand and shook his head, his gaze never left the road, "raven, thank you, but I need to stay in character when I'm this close to a performance. It's crucial that from this point on you not refer to me as Gar. Wait until you're ready to talk to me as Mark. And only Mark."

"Oh, Okay. I guess I'll wait until we actually get there then." It was probably nothing, just some neurological actor thing.

Just then, he placed his hands squarely on his knew and inhaled loudly. Then exhaled loudly. Slowly, loudly. Over, and over and over and over again. All the way to D&B, never missing a beat, never changing rhythm. I looked over at him, eyebrow raised. Yep, definitely a neurological actor thing.

What seemed like twenty thousand loud, irritating breaths later, we got to the D&B. D&B was short for Dave and Busters, a large chain of arcade/bars. A sort of Playdium for grown ups. The D&B was notorious for being the prime first date location. It was fun and loud on the midway, and then if you wanted some private time you could rent a pool table and play a little one on one. You even had the choice of fast food or more casual dining. So it was no big surprise that Tara wanted the multi-date to be at D&B.

Gar – or excuse me, Mark– opened one eye and when he realised that we were here he stopped breathing, not stopped breathing entirely but stopped annoyingly breathing. I pulled up to the curb and as soon as the car stopped her got out and closed the door. I rolled my eyes, typical, and waved down the valet. I realised that showing him off was going to be easy, dealing with him was another story.

I got out of the car, let the valet boy take care of it and saw Mark standing there. Mark, not Gar. He stood with a huge smile on his face, one hand in his jeans pocket, the other reaching out for my hand. I smiled back and let him take it. Wow, what a change in personality. It really is amazing how actors can just turn it on like that. I leaned into his arm as he squeezed my hand affectionately and we both walked in.

Immediately we were hit with high squeals. Kori and Dick Came just before us and were still in the main hall. As soon as Kori saw me, she squealed and ran over, engulfing me in her vice grip.

"Raven! I am so glad you could make it," she released my grip and glanced over at Mark then back at me, giving me a small wink. Of course, small wink to Kori meant the most obvious wink known to humanity.

"Hey Kor, glad to see you too. I want you meet somebody, Kori, this is Mark. Mark this is Kori." Kori smiled and nodded at Mark, he smiled back and politely stuck his hand out for a hand shake. Which was taken by Dick who looked at him with and eyebrow raised behind his sunglasses. Dick always wore sunglasses. If anyone ever asked, he'd claim he had sensitive eyes. Sensitive eyes were one thing but this was ridiculous. We all knew he only did it to look cool.

I watched as Dick firmly shook Marks hand, "Hi, I'm Richard Grayson. Kori's fiancée." Gar didn't waver at all; he just smiled politely and nodded at recognition once he heard his last name.

"Richard Grayson? You mean heir to the Bruce Wayne fortunes? Absolutely pleased to meet you. I'm Mark Graham." He pulled it off with such ease, such grace that didn't show one bit of intimidation but at the same time didn't come off as too ass-kissy.

Dick nodded, impressed, "Nice to meet you too Mark, and call me Dick." The two guys immediately shared a bond of respect. Dick quickly grabbed Mark around the shoulders, perfect because they were both about the same height, and led him towards the midway, talking about he really dislikes being linked to the Wayne inheritance because it intimidates people. Kori and I exchanged glances, that was a flat out lie, he loved to use his money to earn respect.

Kori looped her arm around mine, "Raven, he is… what you say? Delicious?" I laughed out loud and let her lead me in the same direction as our men.

When we all got to the midway, Mark had taken hold of my hand again, appearances, appearances, and Kori hand dragged Dick ahead of us, leaving me to speak with Mark.

"That was great, I really think-"

"You think too much girl." I heard the distinctive diva voice of Bee behind me. I turned around with a smile and greeted her with a kiss to the cheek. Behind her was Victor, her boyfriend whom I playfully waved to, and Jinx dragging Wally away from a racing game. Victor walked over, placed a hand on Bee's shoulder and leaned in, expecting a kiss from me. I smiled at him and kissed him on the cheek too. Jinx succeeded grabbing Wally and bringing him over as well.

Bee silently gave Jinx a look and indicated with her head at Mark, "Hey Rae-Rae, who's this handsome arm candy of yours?" For some reason, I blushed and reached behind me to bring Mark over.

"Bee, Vic, Jinx Wally, this is Mark Graham. Mark, these are the rest of my friends." He beamed charmingly at them, gaining looks from the women and the men, although entirely different looks.

Jinx was quick to stick out her hand in a handshake, "Heya, I'm Jenn but call me Jinx," she gave him a playful wink, "And this is Wally." He in turn shook Mark's hand.

Bee stepped up next, "I'm Karen, but call me Bee. This guy here is my puppy, Victor. We've heard so much about you Mark." Mark chuckled and took their hands.

"I've heard a lot about you guys too, Raven almost never runs out of stories to tell." Bee raised and eyebrow at me.

"Oh? And, pray tell, what stories?" She leaned in and gave me a look of approval.

"Nothing bad I assure you," I said.

"Hey, where's Kori and Dick?" Victor piped in. As if on cue, in came Kori with Dick in tow. And after all of the proper introductory greetings, we all made our way to the restaurant area where our private table was waiting. We sat in our circular table each ordering our own drinks. Mark and I sandwiched between Kori and Dick and Jinx and Wally. Bee and Vic sat on the other side of Wally and Jinx, and then I realised there were two empty seats.

"Where's Tara?" I asked.

"She will be coming at 8, she said she ran into a bit of automobile difficulties," replied Kori.

"Well, let's not worry about who's not here. Let's worry about who is here," with that Bee leaned across the table and rested her elbow on the table, "So Mark, tell us about yourself."

"Well, depends, how much you want to know," He smiled affectionately at me and turned back to Bee, "Well, as you probably know, I'm a botanist."

"Yea, how interesting could that possibly be?" Jinx kissed her teeth and elbowed Wally in the stomach for his rude comment.

"Shut up Wally." Mark just laughed.

"It's okay Jinx, I understand. I guess botany doesn't sound all that interesting, like how much fun could working with plants be right? But it depends really on what your goal is, and how much passion you put into your work."

"I am sorry Mark, I don't believe I understand what you mean," chimed Kori.

He nodded, "Well, me for example, I work as you might already know to find a cure for cancer. Leukemia specifically. Now there are… personal reasons as to why, which I won't bore you to death with details but I found that working towards that has been my tyrant. I wake up every morning thinking about it and go to bed thinking about it," he looked at me and smiled. I swore he had tears in his eyes as well as Kori and Bee's.

"It's like a relationship, "he continued, "You have wake up every morning thinking about her and go to bed thinking about her." He gazed at me affectionately and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I playfully pushed his stomach and heard a sound of someone clearing their throat. I looked up and there was Tara and her date, standing behind Mark and me.

"Sorry to interrupt, but Wilson and I got stuck in traffic." She quickly went over to the two empty seats and greeted every one. Then she got to Gar. She had a certain look in her eyes that I had seen before, it read 'head for the hills Raven 'cause he's with you now but he'll be with me by the end of the night.' She looked him up and down, nodding approvingly, and then leaned right across the table sticking out her hand, giving everyone an eye full of cleavage. But Mark, good old loyal Mark, stared straight at her eyes and his never wandered down to no man's land.

"And who might you be?"

"Hi, I'm Mark. Raven's boyfriend." And I beamed brighter than the sun, which is in its self quite an accomplishment. I couldn't believe my ears, he called her out. He saw what she was doing and called her out. I loved this guy.

"Yes, well," Tara sat back down looking defeated, "I'm Tara, and this is Wilson, my date." Wilson was quite a large man. I mean, I thought Victor was large, but this guy was huge. He looked extremely intimidating and very tough. His hair was white-ish and was long enough to hold back in a ponytail. He was handsome, but not in the model like handsome of Mark, more of a ruggedly handsome, especially with his crooked nose, which looked as if it had been broken a couple of times. He looked like he has been in a couple of bar fights; a couple of bar fights a week, along with a couple of broken chairs over his back.

"Hi," he said with an edge in his voice. A sort of gruffness that said, 'I don't want to talk.' But good ol' Mark, just smiled and nodded.

With dinner finished and all of that unbearable small talk over with, the guys decided to get us all pool tables, using the opportunity to get to know Mark and the newly introduced Wilson. And us girls stayed back and waited patiently for our men. Yeah right, we did what any group of girls in a group date would do, we gossiped. Mostly about my Mark. I really liked the sound of that, my Mark.

He had spent the entire evening entertaining everyone. Impressing the women with his adoration of me and willingness to commit, and at the same time wowing the guys with his international exploits. He combined charisma and charm with wit and anecdotes, he didn't speak out of turn or when he wasn't spoken to, nor did he go on long rants and monologues. All in all, he came off as a humble, down to earth yet perfect, guy. And he had everyone impressed.

"My God Raven, where did you find this guy?" asked Bee.

"Yeah, he seems too good to be true, but here he is. And need I mention how gorgeous he is?" added Jinx, all the girls nodded in agreement.

"I simply love his stories about his grandfather and his journeys in Bosnia. They are quite thrilling," said Kori. Mark had talked about his grandfather and whenever he would, Gar would look as if he were trying to keep up a happy face but was really hurting inside. What was amazing was nothing he did seemed overly cheesy.

"Yeah, wow. Bosnia, I couldn't even pinpoint that on a map," said Bee, "He's really…"

"Cultured," finished Jinx.

"I am so very happy for you Raven!"

"Yeah, ecstatic." Tara had sat back after Mark's brush off and sulked for the rest of the evening. It wasn't everyday when a man could ignore two breasts dangling right in front of him. They were her strongest weapon and right now she was shooting blanks.

We heard the boys coming back and I felt two hands rest firmly on my shoulders. I looked up and saw Mark beaming at me and the others when he leaned down.

"Rae sweetie, let's go play some pool." I rested my hand on top of his and smiled back, standing up. Bee gave me an excited look and got up as well.

As the night grew on, Mark got along better and better with the rest of the guys. He had managed to gain Dick's trust and got on Wally's good side. But he and Victor got along the greatest, by the end of the evening they seemed as if they'd known each other for years. Tara on the other hand had spent a fair amount of the night trying to get his attention. He would give it for a second then look back at me. Did I mention hosw great this guy was?

But the thing that got me the most was exactly how mush attention he paid me. He would always come to get me if I weren't in the conversation and smile and wave at me from across the room. And the touching, as if we were actually dating. He would constantly grab my hand and drag me or wrap and arm around my waist. At one point he even asked me to play a one on one game with him. This caught me entirely by surprise mostly because I didn't know how to play pool. No matter how much I tried to tell him I can't he would just grab my hand and drag me over to a table.

He smiled and said, "Here, I'll teach you." Then grabbed me by my waist and stood behind me while holding the stick in front of me. He showed where to place my hands and how to position myself to get an accurate shot. And, I'm afraid to say it, had a good time. I don't believed I'd ever smiled so much in one evening, I even laughed aloud once when one of my balls hopped and bounced right off the table. It was a miracle.

What made the night even more enjoyable was that it wasn't at all for Tara. Her date hadn't gotten along as well with the guys, especially with Dick, and it seemed that I was having more fun than her, which he absolutely hated. All in all, a great night.

"How'd I do?" Asked Gar as we got in the car. We had to wait about 20 minutes outside in the cold as the valet found our car. Thankfully, Bee and Vic were still there also waiting for their car. Mark kept his arm around me the whole time and kept asking if I was too cold.

"You were awesome," I said as I pulled out of the driveway, "I couldn't believe it. I think you even got them tearing up once of twice with the stories of your grandfather. Genius."

"Well," he said as he stared out the window, "Your friends are generally amazing people. They weren't too hard to work with."

"Yeah, they're great. It may seem as if I don't appreciate them enough, but I wouldn't know what I would do without them."

He turned his head and looked straight at me, "Then don't you feel bad at all about lying to them?" Ouch. Brutal honesty. That was a question I would think about for the rest of the night. I know I didn't care whether I lied to Tara or not, but Kori? Kori, Jinx and bee, they didn't deserve to be lied to. O great, the actor gets to my conscience. We ride in silence for the rest of the drive back and I dropped him off at his apartment again.

He got out of the car and leaned in through the open window and looked me ight in the eyes, "I really had a great time."

I smiled back, "Yeah, that's what I paid you for."

A/N: CLUE: The longer a couple is together, the easier it becomes to embarrass each other in public