Disclaimer: I don't own the teen titans or the words to the song Gonna Be
Fine by Amy Studt. Ergh sorry for the wait, things keep getting in the way...
Hand in Hand
Chapter Twenty Four: Gonna Be Fine
28th November
The training room was silent for a few moments. Robin blinked again but it seemed that no matter how many times he closed his eyes and opened them again he was always going to see the same two things. The first was the confused and slightly perturbed stares of his team mates, and the naive expression still implanted upon Starfire's features. Robin was beginning to wonder how she would have survived on earth if she had never come to the teen titans. The silence grew heavier and when the gazes of his friends bored into him he shifted slightly onto his other foot dreading the questions that they were going to ask.
"What were you two doing then?" asked Beast Boy curling his arm around Terra's waist and pulling the blonde closer to him. "Because, dude, it didn't look or sound good."
Robin straightened slightly, he was torn between two options, covering up what he had really been doing and then saving himself and Raven a lot of unnecessary embarrassment, or telling the whole unadulterated truth and faces many more questions, tears, tantrums and the possible breaking up of the titans. He decided that the latter was not a good choice. So instead he dragged a hand through his now sticky hair, noting he would have to have a shower now, and put an easy smile on his face. He told himself internally that this small lie was for the greater good, "We were just sparring Beast Boy. Aqualad was telling me that he's taken up hand to hand combat and wanted to test his skills on someone with experience." He kept his tone casual and his smile convincing.
##Constantly finding ways to fill this empty space,
But still it seems like nothing touches you anymore,
And you're not really sure which way to turn##
Starfire predictably swallowed this explanation like it was a strawberry and proceeded to latch herself onto Robin's arm. Briefly Robin wondered if actually caused her physical pain for her to not be in constant contact with him. That was another thing he had started to notice about Star as of late, she was particularly clingy. Not something that he was a big fan of. He struggled to keep his smile. "That is excellent news Robin, perhaps we could invite Aqualad to live here and become an official member of the titans and not just an honorary member."
Robin suspected he must have blanched or winced at her words because Cyborg's eyes suddenly narrowed dramatically. Robin tried to ignore it and focused his attention on Starfire, "Yeah, but after that sparring match I think I need to go and take another shower." He deliberately moved away from the topic that Starfire had brought up and hoped no one would notice. And it didn't seem that anyone had.
Starfire nodded and detached herself somewhat reluctantly, "Okay Robin. Could you tell friend Raven that we are all ordering food in tonight?" he tone was light and it seemed to Robin that she said it a bit too enthusiastically. He began to suspect that maybe Starfire had something planned. "We are all going to eat Chinese food and play the great game of Truth and Dare!"
"That's truth or dare!" corrected Terra breaking away from Beast Boy's embrace and heading back out into the hall, "But first I'm going the mall to get an outfit for Christmas, anyone wanna come with?"
Cyborg shook his head as he too exited the training room, "Nah, I got a high score to beat on the game cube." He waved at them all, "See you later guys!" he disappeared around the corner and only his heavy footsteps could be heard echoing down the hallway.
Starfire squealed suddenly and attached herself onto a stunned Terra, "I shall accompany you to the mall of shopping!"
Robin wasn't sure but he was sure that he saw Terra mouth the words, 'oh joy.' Silently to no one in particular. He shook his head as the girls departed with Beast Boy in tow. He must've been imagining things.
##If you feel the sadness sweep you off your feet,
Doubled in the things that you feel,
Don't be afraid of who you are,
And don't be afraid to stand your ground##
When he was alone Robin realised that he faced a dilemma, the others were heading out so that meant that he had to tell Raven what they were having to eat this evening and tell her that Aqualad had unexpectedly left. He really didn't want to be the bearer of bad news.
It was some small thought inside him that said, reasonably enough, that if he delivered bad tidings, he knew that thinking this was over dramatic, then Raven would associate him with the bad things...he chided himself gently, he really was being dramatic. Really over dramatic.
But he had more important things to worry about. He had two choices, he was sure that the road he was walking down had about twenty five different crossroads. He just hoped he hadn't made a wrong turn. Anyway, he had two choices he was supposed to go and talk to Raven. However he was sweaty and so a shower would be preferable first, but if by the time he finished showering she was already looking around for Aqualad, then when he finally told her what he was meant to she could blow up on him for not telling her sooner. He frowned. To shower first or not to? That was the question. True the problem may not be as world crippling as poverty and hunger, and not as life threatening as earthquakes and volcanoes and not as politically interesting as the worlds economic crisis. However it was right up on the top of Robin's list next to buying more Christmas presents and stopping Slade.
Robin was quite proud to say that his priorities were in order.
Unconsciously he began to make the trek to his room, pondering more trivial things along the way.
In the end he decided a quick shower would be best.
##Because at the end of the day,
You're one step closer to finding your way,
And although you might think you're out of time,
You're gonna be fine##
After breaking the world record for speed showering Robin quickly dressed in black jeans and a red long sleeved polo-neck jumper. He tossed his uniform in the wicker laundry basket and made a sharp exit from his room kicking his door closed behind him.
He made a beeline for the next floor up where Raven's room was and then paused. He changed his route quickly realising that she would probably still be on the roof meditating and chanting her magic words. He smiled at the thought but shook his head as he began the gruelling task of climbing up the many stairs. It wasn't the first time he had envied her teleportation skills.
Raven swept past him heading in the opposite direction.
Robin continued walking and then paused confused. He looked over his shoulder, to check if he had seen what he had thought he had seen. Sure enough Raven was descending the stairs. Army style he rotated his body about face and started back down the stairs.
He finally drew level to her.
She ignored him.
He cleared his throat.
She still ignored him.
Okay, his mind told him, she was obviously ignoring him because of what happened the other day. That was understandable he supposed. She could at least acknowledge him. He berated himself; maybe she was waiting for him to say something. So he said the first thing that came into his head.
"I like penguins." He froze in horror. Okay that was totally random and insane! He wanted to die on the spot; he was pretty sure out of all the things he could have said that that was by the far the worst.
Raven didn't slow, she didn't even pause. She turned her head slightly and raised an eyebrow, "Good for you." She said in a condescending tone.
Robin winced, "Okay, I really didn't mean to say THAT." He whined, immediately hating the tone of his voice.
"What did you mean to say then?" she asked as she alighted off of the last step onto the ground floor and swept through into the kitchen.
Robin shrugged, "Anything, I was trying," he stressed the last word, "To get you to talk to me."
"About penguins?" she looked confused, she poured herself a tea and then looked around her as if searching for something.
Robin groaned, he knew he'd probably never live that down now.
## Because at the end of the day,
You're one step closer to finding your way,
And although you might think you're out of time,
You're gonna be fine##
"No..." he said in a tired tone leaning against the counter and absentmindedly rubbed at his bruised arm.
Raven frowned, "Where's Aqualad?"
Robin muttered a small curse, "That's what I was trying to talk to you about. He..." his breath caught in his throat as he thought up the lie, why he found it so easy to lie to the others and so difficult to lie to Raven he had no clue, "He was called away on urgent business, he told us to tell you that he'd see you tomorrow." Robin shrugged and reaching over he grabbed a can of unopened soda that had conveniently been left on the side. He popped it open and sipped at it. He pulled a face at the flavour. He watched as Raven's face fell.
"Oh." Was all she said softly cupping her tea in her hands.
Robin bit his lip; well at least she hadn't gotten angry at him. He guessed that now was a good a time as any to discuss what had happened yesterday, he hoped she would understand. He took a deep breath. "Raven..." he began tentatively, "About yesterday..." that got no reaction from her...he had expected her to stiffen or to freeze or to glare at him or something, anything. She didn't even blink for crying out loud! "Raven!" he said louder than he had intended.
Raven looked up. The same dazed expression that had been in her eyes in the book store was back and stronger than ever. She put her cup down and then looked at it confusedly. She glanced up at Robin and frowned, "Sorry did you say something?"
Robin stared at her intently for a moment. Interesting she seemed to zone out after she experienced disappointment. Last time though she hadn't had anything t be disappointed about. A strange thought crossed his mind, what if Aqualad was giving Raven drugs and she fell into a trance if she didn't get her regular boost...his thought trailed off lamely. Now THAT really was absurd. "Yes I did. I said we need to talk about yesterday."
She didn't blink, "Did something happen yesterday?"
Robin's eye ticked, "Yes. I nearly kissed you."
"Did you that's nice." She stared off into space. Robin began to suspect that she had stopped listening to him all together. He decided to test his theory.
"Raven, we're playing truth or dare later and having Chinese food ordered in. Is that okay with you?" he watched her closely.
"That's wonderful."
Robin pulled another face, "Raven." No response, "Raven." Nothing, "RAVEN!"
Raven jumped slightly, "What's happening?" Robin saw something dark flicker behind her eyes. It blocked out the emptiness for a moment and seemed to pulse with negative energy. He retreated a few steps as the light flickered red, it was the same look she had had on her face when she had nearly destroyed Dr. Light years ago. "What?" she snapped.
"Uh, nothing..." muttered Robin fearing her wrath.
Raven mumbled something and vanished with a flap of her cloak.
##You should know that things aren't always what they seem,
So why still swim in the depths of a tide that's pulling you in,
Makes you think you're life has been a waste of time,
Leave the shade and step out into the glare,
Peace of mind awaits you there,
Don't be afraid to stand your ground,
And don't be ashamed of who you are##
Robin blinked three times quickly and then pinched himself to make sure that he was really awake. That had been really strange. There was definitely something wrong with Raven. He clenched his fists and scowled at her discarded tea. Why couldn't she just open up and let him in. he cared about her. He liked her a lot. As much as he ever liked Starfire. Why were things just so damn hard all of the time. He was a titan for god's sake he should be exempted from all the girl troubles that normal teenagers had to face.
That was when he had an epiphany.
He really was just a normal teenager, despite their powers, and their pasts and memories and likes and thoughts, they were friends and they were teenagers. Maybe it was time for them to act like it for once. True they hung out and stuff but maybe what they really needed was a vacation, or a long weekend off. He was sure he could get someone to stand in for them.
##Never had to help you find your way,
There's nothing you could do or say,
You had to find your own mistakes to learn,
Just look inside of you,
You've got to make your own way through##
He drummed his fingers on the counter top; maybe they should have a party at Christmas. After all it was only a three and a half weeks away. He decided to bring this notion up this evening.
Maybe a party would be fun. But who would they invite?
Robin sat there for the longest time unaware of Cyborg waving his hand in front of his face. When he finally came back to reality the shock of what he saw sent him collapsing backwards onto the floor. "Don't do that!" gasped Robin grasping a hand to his chest as if he was having a heart attack.
Cyborg lowered his hand and chuckled.
## Because at the end of the day,
You're one step closer to finding your way,
And although you might think you're out of time,
You're gonna be fine##
Hand in Hand
Chapter Twenty Four: Gonna Be Fine
28th November
The training room was silent for a few moments. Robin blinked again but it seemed that no matter how many times he closed his eyes and opened them again he was always going to see the same two things. The first was the confused and slightly perturbed stares of his team mates, and the naive expression still implanted upon Starfire's features. Robin was beginning to wonder how she would have survived on earth if she had never come to the teen titans. The silence grew heavier and when the gazes of his friends bored into him he shifted slightly onto his other foot dreading the questions that they were going to ask.
"What were you two doing then?" asked Beast Boy curling his arm around Terra's waist and pulling the blonde closer to him. "Because, dude, it didn't look or sound good."
Robin straightened slightly, he was torn between two options, covering up what he had really been doing and then saving himself and Raven a lot of unnecessary embarrassment, or telling the whole unadulterated truth and faces many more questions, tears, tantrums and the possible breaking up of the titans. He decided that the latter was not a good choice. So instead he dragged a hand through his now sticky hair, noting he would have to have a shower now, and put an easy smile on his face. He told himself internally that this small lie was for the greater good, "We were just sparring Beast Boy. Aqualad was telling me that he's taken up hand to hand combat and wanted to test his skills on someone with experience." He kept his tone casual and his smile convincing.
##Constantly finding ways to fill this empty space,
But still it seems like nothing touches you anymore,
And you're not really sure which way to turn##
Starfire predictably swallowed this explanation like it was a strawberry and proceeded to latch herself onto Robin's arm. Briefly Robin wondered if actually caused her physical pain for her to not be in constant contact with him. That was another thing he had started to notice about Star as of late, she was particularly clingy. Not something that he was a big fan of. He struggled to keep his smile. "That is excellent news Robin, perhaps we could invite Aqualad to live here and become an official member of the titans and not just an honorary member."
Robin suspected he must have blanched or winced at her words because Cyborg's eyes suddenly narrowed dramatically. Robin tried to ignore it and focused his attention on Starfire, "Yeah, but after that sparring match I think I need to go and take another shower." He deliberately moved away from the topic that Starfire had brought up and hoped no one would notice. And it didn't seem that anyone had.
Starfire nodded and detached herself somewhat reluctantly, "Okay Robin. Could you tell friend Raven that we are all ordering food in tonight?" he tone was light and it seemed to Robin that she said it a bit too enthusiastically. He began to suspect that maybe Starfire had something planned. "We are all going to eat Chinese food and play the great game of Truth and Dare!"
"That's truth or dare!" corrected Terra breaking away from Beast Boy's embrace and heading back out into the hall, "But first I'm going the mall to get an outfit for Christmas, anyone wanna come with?"
Cyborg shook his head as he too exited the training room, "Nah, I got a high score to beat on the game cube." He waved at them all, "See you later guys!" he disappeared around the corner and only his heavy footsteps could be heard echoing down the hallway.
Starfire squealed suddenly and attached herself onto a stunned Terra, "I shall accompany you to the mall of shopping!"
Robin wasn't sure but he was sure that he saw Terra mouth the words, 'oh joy.' Silently to no one in particular. He shook his head as the girls departed with Beast Boy in tow. He must've been imagining things.
##If you feel the sadness sweep you off your feet,
Doubled in the things that you feel,
Don't be afraid of who you are,
And don't be afraid to stand your ground##
When he was alone Robin realised that he faced a dilemma, the others were heading out so that meant that he had to tell Raven what they were having to eat this evening and tell her that Aqualad had unexpectedly left. He really didn't want to be the bearer of bad news.
It was some small thought inside him that said, reasonably enough, that if he delivered bad tidings, he knew that thinking this was over dramatic, then Raven would associate him with the bad things...he chided himself gently, he really was being dramatic. Really over dramatic.
But he had more important things to worry about. He had two choices, he was sure that the road he was walking down had about twenty five different crossroads. He just hoped he hadn't made a wrong turn. Anyway, he had two choices he was supposed to go and talk to Raven. However he was sweaty and so a shower would be preferable first, but if by the time he finished showering she was already looking around for Aqualad, then when he finally told her what he was meant to she could blow up on him for not telling her sooner. He frowned. To shower first or not to? That was the question. True the problem may not be as world crippling as poverty and hunger, and not as life threatening as earthquakes and volcanoes and not as politically interesting as the worlds economic crisis. However it was right up on the top of Robin's list next to buying more Christmas presents and stopping Slade.
Robin was quite proud to say that his priorities were in order.
Unconsciously he began to make the trek to his room, pondering more trivial things along the way.
In the end he decided a quick shower would be best.
##Because at the end of the day,
You're one step closer to finding your way,
And although you might think you're out of time,
You're gonna be fine##
After breaking the world record for speed showering Robin quickly dressed in black jeans and a red long sleeved polo-neck jumper. He tossed his uniform in the wicker laundry basket and made a sharp exit from his room kicking his door closed behind him.
He made a beeline for the next floor up where Raven's room was and then paused. He changed his route quickly realising that she would probably still be on the roof meditating and chanting her magic words. He smiled at the thought but shook his head as he began the gruelling task of climbing up the many stairs. It wasn't the first time he had envied her teleportation skills.
Raven swept past him heading in the opposite direction.
Robin continued walking and then paused confused. He looked over his shoulder, to check if he had seen what he had thought he had seen. Sure enough Raven was descending the stairs. Army style he rotated his body about face and started back down the stairs.
He finally drew level to her.
She ignored him.
He cleared his throat.
She still ignored him.
Okay, his mind told him, she was obviously ignoring him because of what happened the other day. That was understandable he supposed. She could at least acknowledge him. He berated himself; maybe she was waiting for him to say something. So he said the first thing that came into his head.
"I like penguins." He froze in horror. Okay that was totally random and insane! He wanted to die on the spot; he was pretty sure out of all the things he could have said that that was by the far the worst.
Raven didn't slow, she didn't even pause. She turned her head slightly and raised an eyebrow, "Good for you." She said in a condescending tone.
Robin winced, "Okay, I really didn't mean to say THAT." He whined, immediately hating the tone of his voice.
"What did you mean to say then?" she asked as she alighted off of the last step onto the ground floor and swept through into the kitchen.
Robin shrugged, "Anything, I was trying," he stressed the last word, "To get you to talk to me."
"About penguins?" she looked confused, she poured herself a tea and then looked around her as if searching for something.
Robin groaned, he knew he'd probably never live that down now.
## Because at the end of the day,
You're one step closer to finding your way,
And although you might think you're out of time,
You're gonna be fine##
"No..." he said in a tired tone leaning against the counter and absentmindedly rubbed at his bruised arm.
Raven frowned, "Where's Aqualad?"
Robin muttered a small curse, "That's what I was trying to talk to you about. He..." his breath caught in his throat as he thought up the lie, why he found it so easy to lie to the others and so difficult to lie to Raven he had no clue, "He was called away on urgent business, he told us to tell you that he'd see you tomorrow." Robin shrugged and reaching over he grabbed a can of unopened soda that had conveniently been left on the side. He popped it open and sipped at it. He pulled a face at the flavour. He watched as Raven's face fell.
"Oh." Was all she said softly cupping her tea in her hands.
Robin bit his lip; well at least she hadn't gotten angry at him. He guessed that now was a good a time as any to discuss what had happened yesterday, he hoped she would understand. He took a deep breath. "Raven..." he began tentatively, "About yesterday..." that got no reaction from her...he had expected her to stiffen or to freeze or to glare at him or something, anything. She didn't even blink for crying out loud! "Raven!" he said louder than he had intended.
Raven looked up. The same dazed expression that had been in her eyes in the book store was back and stronger than ever. She put her cup down and then looked at it confusedly. She glanced up at Robin and frowned, "Sorry did you say something?"
Robin stared at her intently for a moment. Interesting she seemed to zone out after she experienced disappointment. Last time though she hadn't had anything t be disappointed about. A strange thought crossed his mind, what if Aqualad was giving Raven drugs and she fell into a trance if she didn't get her regular boost...his thought trailed off lamely. Now THAT really was absurd. "Yes I did. I said we need to talk about yesterday."
She didn't blink, "Did something happen yesterday?"
Robin's eye ticked, "Yes. I nearly kissed you."
"Did you that's nice." She stared off into space. Robin began to suspect that she had stopped listening to him all together. He decided to test his theory.
"Raven, we're playing truth or dare later and having Chinese food ordered in. Is that okay with you?" he watched her closely.
"That's wonderful."
Robin pulled another face, "Raven." No response, "Raven." Nothing, "RAVEN!"
Raven jumped slightly, "What's happening?" Robin saw something dark flicker behind her eyes. It blocked out the emptiness for a moment and seemed to pulse with negative energy. He retreated a few steps as the light flickered red, it was the same look she had had on her face when she had nearly destroyed Dr. Light years ago. "What?" she snapped.
"Uh, nothing..." muttered Robin fearing her wrath.
Raven mumbled something and vanished with a flap of her cloak.
##You should know that things aren't always what they seem,
So why still swim in the depths of a tide that's pulling you in,
Makes you think you're life has been a waste of time,
Leave the shade and step out into the glare,
Peace of mind awaits you there,
Don't be afraid to stand your ground,
And don't be ashamed of who you are##
Robin blinked three times quickly and then pinched himself to make sure that he was really awake. That had been really strange. There was definitely something wrong with Raven. He clenched his fists and scowled at her discarded tea. Why couldn't she just open up and let him in. he cared about her. He liked her a lot. As much as he ever liked Starfire. Why were things just so damn hard all of the time. He was a titan for god's sake he should be exempted from all the girl troubles that normal teenagers had to face.
That was when he had an epiphany.
He really was just a normal teenager, despite their powers, and their pasts and memories and likes and thoughts, they were friends and they were teenagers. Maybe it was time for them to act like it for once. True they hung out and stuff but maybe what they really needed was a vacation, or a long weekend off. He was sure he could get someone to stand in for them.
##Never had to help you find your way,
There's nothing you could do or say,
You had to find your own mistakes to learn,
Just look inside of you,
You've got to make your own way through##
He drummed his fingers on the counter top; maybe they should have a party at Christmas. After all it was only a three and a half weeks away. He decided to bring this notion up this evening.
Maybe a party would be fun. But who would they invite?
Robin sat there for the longest time unaware of Cyborg waving his hand in front of his face. When he finally came back to reality the shock of what he saw sent him collapsing backwards onto the floor. "Don't do that!" gasped Robin grasping a hand to his chest as if he was having a heart attack.
Cyborg lowered his hand and chuckled.
## Because at the end of the day,
You're one step closer to finding your way,
And although you might think you're out of time,
You're gonna be fine##