Sine I got a lot of questions on the whole 'why didn't Raven use her powers' thing, one, it was because it was a dream, and two, her mind was so cloudy with fear, it didn't even cross her mind. The only thing she could think was that she was going to be raped and probably be killed. Usually, though it's never happened to me, when you are so scared, you don't think clearly, and in the end it happens to be your downfall. So, hope the clears things up a bit…If not, then…er…I don't know what to say…


Beast Boy pulled back and leaned his forehead against Raven's. She was blinking rapidly at his sudden kiss.

"I'm sorry," he muttered, letting her slid down his body so her feet could touch the ground. "I was just so furious at Robin that I wasn't thinking clearly and took your advice the wrong way." But then he grinned. "At least now I'm not so mad."

She let out a breath. "Well, I guess that's a good thing." She pulled back to watch his eyes. "I know Robin is acting stupid, but why are you so mad?"

He sighed, glancing up as the elevator door opened and a young man with pale brown hair stepped in. He glanced at them with a raised eyebrow, then gazed down at the floor, gluing himself to the farthest wall from them.

"It's just that Star is so innocent and so naïve and Rob…" He noticed his mistake quickly and Beast Boy's eyes snapped to the other guy in the elevator, but he seemed to be ignoring them, and playing with his flip-phone. Beast Boy glanced back down at Raven. "But the idiot knows how fragile she is, and yet he does this to her. It just…disgusts me."

"But…well, you're right. I understand that he's trying to break this off easily, but he should have done it earlier. He waited too damn long for this." Raven said.

"Yeah, and I hate seeing her so hurt. I have a serious feeling that when we, er, go back to how things were, she won't be the same."

"You're right. But…there's nothing that we can do."

Beast Boy sighed and kissed her forehead. "I know. We'll just…have to deal with it. Everything has already changed."

"I know." The door opened and the occupants slid out, the brown haired young man going one way and Raven and Beast Boy going the other.

Pushing open the door, Raven wrapped her coat around her slim form as they walked out in to the biting cold.

"I still can't believe we have to go to that stupid dance," she muttered under her breath as they strolled down the sidewalk.

"At least I'll finally be able to see you in a real dress."

Raven threw him a dark scowl and he laughed softly, taking her small hand in his. He watched as she jumped at the unexpected contact, but slowly she adjusted and laced her fingers with his. "I don't fell too bad, seeing as you're the one who has to wear a tux and clip-on tie."

"Don't remind me. I wonder if we can pick our own clothes or if that Marty guy will do it," Beast Boy pondered, pulling Raven closer as the made their way through the throng of people clogging the walkway.

"There is no way that I will let that man pick my dress. He'll end up sticking me in a pink frilly thing. But I don't exactly enjoy shopping, so it's a lose-lose situation."

"Maybe I'll call Twain and ask him. If you can pick your own dress, then maybe you could talk Star into going and try to make her feel better, if at all possible." Beast Boy offered, muttering a low apology when he bumped shoulders with a girl around his age.

"Don't worry about it," she said sweetly, ignoring the lethal glare form Raven. She walked away from them, hips swaying seductively. Beast Boy's eyes followed her, and his eyes weren't exactly trained on the back of her head. Raven jerked her hand from his and stormed away with as much dignity as she could muster.

Beast Boy snapped out of his trance and jogged up to Raven, his stride slowing so he wouldn't pass her. Raven turned emotionless eyes to him.

"What? I wasn't watching her butt if that's what your thinking. She had something stuck to her, that's all."

"Yes, your eyes," Raven muttered, shoving her hands inside her long, ankle-length black trench coat. Now that she was at Jump City Private School, she could dress the way she pleased. At the moment, her black apparel fit her mood rather nicely. Raven's fist clenched inside her pockets as she tried to appear impassive. Hell, what did she care if he looked at other girls? Just because she had asked him to wait for her didn't mean that he had to. She wasn't exactly worth waiting for anyhow.

"Come on, Raven. Why would I look at other girls when I have a damn good view right now?" Raven snapped her head to the side to glare at him. But he didn't see it because his eyes were trained somewhere else. She turned to face him, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. He chuckled.

"It wouldn't matter anyway," she muttered, turning on her heel and walking forward, the heels of her black boots muffled by the chatter of other people.

Beast Boy blinked, baffled, before he ran up to catch her.

"What do you mean by that?"

"I could care less if you look at other women." Raven pushed down the urge to glance at Beast Boy's expression.

"Are you serious?" He asked darkly.

"Of course I'm serious. Why wouldn't I be? You know there is nothing

between—

"Us, right?" She did glance over at him now. His jaw was clenched tightly as he walked in front of cars to get to the other side. Raven followed behind him, eyebrow raised. She sighed and jogged after him.

"Unfortunately, I don't have long legs like you, so could you slow down a bit?" Raven fished out her leather gloves that she had shoved in her pocket earlier and fought to put them over her frozen hands.

"Did it ever occur to you that I'm trying to get away from you?"

"Nope."

He glared at her over his shoulder. "That was supposed to be a hint."

"I know."

He turned a corner sharply, and, since Raven was still fighting with her gloves, she didn't see the wall. She raised her eyes just as a large brick building came into view. It took her but a few second to realize that she was probably going to hit it. Thankfully, no one had been around when the usual moody half-demon ran smack into a brick wall.

Flying back on her butt, Raven stared at the wall for a moment, blinking rapidly. Had she…actually run into a wall? Since her forehead was pounding from where she had hit it against the building, she raised a hand to it. She pulled back two fingers sticky with blood and bit back a curse.

"Raven?" Beast Boy peeked over the corner, his eyes widening when he saw her sitting on the ground, her forehead skinned and bleeding.

He knelt beside her quickly, lifting her chin with his index finger and gazing down at her eyes.

"What the hell did you do? Run into a wall?" Raven jerked away from him and stood up, dusting her coat off.

"You can't be serious."

"I wasn't paying attention," she muttered, pressing the back of her hand to her lightly skinned forehead.

Behind her, Beast Boy chortled. Raven clenched her teeth, trying desperately to regain her tattered dignity. How the hell did she run into a wall? Good God, she had just pulled a serious Beast Boy.

"Hey, Rae, wait!" He jogged up to her, his face lit up with a smile. "I'm sorry I laughed at you."

Raven snarled at him, lowing her hand now that the bleeding had stopped. Seeing as she couldn't even look at him, Raven walked down a deserted alley in hopes that he had gotten lost. But luck was not on her side. He grabbed her arm lightly and pulled her to a stop. He was still fighting a grin. She growled and tried to pull away from him.

"Okay, okay, I'm sorry. It's just hard to believe that you of all people were the one to run into a wall. That sounds like something I would do."

"If you hadn't turned that corner so fast, this wouldn't have happened." Raven jerked on her glove, storming away from him. He caught up with her easily.

"I'm sorry. You just ticked me off with your little comment."

"What comment?"

"The one that you made about not caring if I looked at other girls. You're sending me mixed signal here. You know I want to be with you. And, uh, seeing as I told you I would wait for you…well…I just thought that that meant you wanted to have something with me other than friendship, but if you don't then…tell me so I can stop this now and go my own way. I can wait for you physically if that's what you want, but with the way your acting, I don't know if I should date other girls or not. I mean, you let me kiss you and things, but…hell, I'm not making any sense." Beast Boy groaned and ran a hand through his hair.

"Let me just make this simple. I need to know if there can be something between us. If not, then I need to stop leading myself on. If there is, then we'll just go from there."

Raven felt her heart jump into her throat as she gazed up at him. "You…want to be in a relationship with me?"

He smiled. "Yeah, Rae. I do. Why else would I put up with your attitude for so long?"

She ignored his comment and let out a deep sigh. "I don't know Beast Boy," she admitted. "I've…It's just…I don't know what to do. I've never let myself get close to anyone, and stepping into a relationship is just…"

"Freaking terrifying?"

"Yeah."

Beast Boy leaned down and kissed her chapped lips softly. "Raven, I'm not exactly calm about this either. The only relationship I've ever had turned out horrible. But if you do want to try this out, you've got me here also. You're not in this alone. So…" At the look at her unsure gaze, Beast Boy sighed and tried a different approach. "Okay. Let's try this on. Would you like me to wait so you can decide if you want to try this out or not?"

She bit her lip. "Doesn't a relationship usually include…intimacy and emotion?"

"Er, emotion, I, uh, would think so. But intimacy? Nope. Not all of them do. Most relationships are just…well, I don't know, but it's not all about having sex. If you do decided you want to try this out, there won't be anything like that until you're positive you're ready."

"This is just…weird."

"Yeah, my sentiments exactly. But, until you're ready we won't bring anything that has to do with relationships up, okay?"

Even though she didn't answer, Beast Boy took that as an okay and walked forward. But Raven grabbed his hand, jerking him to a stop.

"Okay."

He blinked. "Okay…I won't bring it up again until you're—"

"No, Beast Boy. I mean okay. Lets try this…relationship thing and see where it takes us. But I don't mean as in boyfriend/girlfriend thing. That's too cliché for me. But…it'll be more than friends…okay?"

Beast Boy's forest green eyes widened. "Are you…sure, Rae? I mean this is a big step—" Raven pulled his head down to kiss him gently, her lips curving slightly against his.

"Yeah. I'm sure."


After a quick call to Twain, they found that they did get to pick their own formal wear for the dance and that the mayor was paying for everything once again. Still embarrassingly giddy at the fact that she and Beast Boy were, in a way, dating, Raven waited for Starfire to wake up so they could 'travel to the mall of shopping' as Star would say.

Raven took a deep breath. She wondered, and not for the first time, why her powers weren't acting up on her. She would have thought that the emotions she was feeling would have already blown up a lamp or something along those lines, but so far, everything had stayed in contact. She didn't know why this was happening. Maybe…no, that couldn't be right. She could have gotten rid of her father without even going up against him. So, that prospect was out of the question. But then why were her powers under control? It made no sense. But she would figure that out later. Now, she had to calm her beating heart. It was amazing how much this was affecting her. She was only dating Beast Boy.

Her heart flipped. Jeez, she was taking this way too seriously. So what if they were a couple now. It didn't matter. It wouldn't change anything…who the hell was she kidding? It changed everything. Beast Boy and her were dating. As in going places and having romantic evenings without worrying about anything. Jesus, this was big. As in Slade turning himself in. Raven was in a relationship with someone. Her, in a relationship. It just…seemed weird. Too weird. What if—

The door to Starfire's room opened, cutting off Raven's thoughts. Starfire walked out, Christian against her hip, and offered a small smile. "Hello, Friend Raven," she said softly, still not over her heartbreak.

Raven dipped her head in greeting, then asked, "Starfire, do you want to go, er…to the…mall." Raven said the last word as if it were a disease.

"For what?" Christian tugged at a curl, silently telling her that he wanted down. She lowered him to the ground, her eyes never leaving him even as he scampered off to his toys.

"We get to pick our own dress, so I thought that maybe we could get it over with and…shop."

Starfire chuckled softly at the way Raven said the word and nodded. "Alright. I just need to change."

She turned around and leveled a stare at Robin. No emotion evident, Starfire asked, "Do you mind watching him or should I take him with us?"

"I'll—"

"Actually, Star, both of us are going to the mall, so he can go with us," Beast Boy offered, the look he turned on Robin leaving no room for discussion.

"Oh. That is fine." Starfire shut her door quietly, leaving Robin staring at Beast Boy with narrowed eyes.

"What the—"

"We are going to talk, Robin, whether you want to or not."

"What's gotten into you? Since when have you ever been so presumptuous with people?"

Beast Boy leaned back against the cushions and grinned at Raven. She blushed lightly, busying herself with Christian, who kept handing her toy after toy, obviously trying to share with her.

"Let's just say I've changed."


She hated malls with a deadly passion. All the obnoxious girls giggling and drooling over guys with an attitude, or screaming children and parents who were on the verge of slapping their kid was enough to make Raven cringe. Stepping into the Jump City Mall was like walking into hell. And the fact that teenagers all around her age seemed to be the only ones at the mall did not help matters any. Thankfully, all the attention they received was aimed at Star.

The guys seemed to drool and the girls were filled with jealousy, but Raven could care less. All she wanted to do was pick out a dress, maybe get something to eat, and go home.

"Where shall we venture first, Raven?" Starfire asked, oblivious to the fact that men actually stopped and stared at her.

"I have no idea. I guess we just pick a store and browse. They usually have prom dresses out by now. Twain did say this was formal, so I guess finding that section would be our best bet."

"Okay." As they walked into the first store, Raven prayed that they could both find something and quickly get out of the mall. Finding their desired section of clothing, they started to thumb though the dresses. Raven's intent was finding something dark and morbid, whereas Starfire wanted something bright.

"So," Raven stared out slowly, grimacing as she passed a pale pink gown that seemed to be more frill than dress, "how are you taking things now?"

Starfire sighed, plucking a light blue gown from the hanger and walking into a dressing room. Raven grabbed a gown and followed her to the rooms so she could hear Star's answer.

"I am taking it as well as can be expected," she said as she walked into an unoccupied room, Raven taking the one next to her. Raven disrobed quickly and slid the dress on without even taking notice of what it looked like.

"That's good," Raven said hesitantly, completely unused to having conversations that included her trying to offer comfort. "Maybe things'll only get better."

"Maybe," Starfire sighed, stepping out of the room to study her reflection in the mirror. The dress was skin tight, hugging Starfire's curves like a second skin. Raven leaned against the far wall, watching her friend's expression.

Starfire grimaced, glancing at the almost non-existent back of the dress. "I do not feel right in this." Starfire turned to study Raven's dress. "Are you sure you are happy with the yellow of that dress?"

Raven glanced down, her eyes filled with a sick yellow and endless frills. She fought down nausea. "Gross."

Starfire smiled and walked back into her room to change into the apparel she arrived in.

In her dressing room, Raven jerked the vile dress of her body and chucked it as far away from her as possible. "I have never seen anything so disgusting in my entire life," Raven muttered to herself, but Starfire heard her and chuckled.

"I do not know if this is the right place to shop for the gowns of formal. They all looked the same to me."

Raven muttered something incoherent, jerking on her boots and walking out of the small room. "I wished there was a dark place around here that had the type of dress I am looking for."

They walked out of the store, Raven's mouth set in a frown. God, her mind was still filled with the repulsiveness of that stupid dress. Who could actually make something like that?

"Might that be a shop you wish to browse, Raven?" She followed Starfire's finger to a tiny shop that look dark and depressing. But what caught her attention was the gown displayed in the window framed with skeleton lights. The gown was completely sinister, like the clothing from the dark books she read, with a red corset-style bodice strapped with black lace. The gown itself was long, the skirt full and the red silk covered with black lace. Raven blinked, walking to the shop with eagerness. Who would have thought that she would actually want to try on a dress?

"I thought so," Starfire muttered, following her friend into the dark shop. Starfire looked around with a grimace. This was worse then the store 'Hot Topic' which Raven preferred when she actually went to the mall.

Starfire tried to ignore the dark looks she received from the workers at the store and picked up her pace. The tattoo-covered humans with piercing everywhere looked at her as if she were unusual. Maybe it was because of the bright clothes she had opted to wear. Either way, she wanted Raven to try on her clothes and get out.

"Raven," Starfire said when she reached her friend, "might we hurry from the store of depression and odium?"

Raven cut her a glance. "If you don't like it, go back outside." Raven grabbed her size and ventured to the back, leaving Starfire alone with the people who seemed to hate her. With wide eyes, Star scrambled toward the dressing rooms.

Starfire glanced behind her to see each worker starring daggers at her, though their looks were dull. It was their body language that really scared her.

"So, er, how goes your relation with Beast Boy?" Starfire asked. Disgusted at the way she was acting around these people, she straightened her shoulder and stared back at each one with her own dull look. That seemed to do the trick, for the returned to their jobs, occasionally looking at her.

"Well…" Starfire heard the rustle of clothes as Raven answered her question. "We've decided to try the whole relationship thing and see how it works out."

"Oh. So you are the boyfriend and girlfriend now?"

"In a way, I guess," Raven muttered, her back turned to the mirror and studying the back of the dress. Damn. The only way to tie the stupid thing was to lace it up from the back. But damn the dress was gorgeous and dark and sinister and Raven had to have it.

"Starfire?"

"Hmm?" Starfire was glancing at the demented jewelry with a raised eyebrow. Chokers with spikes, earrings with skulls, it was all very strange. But it fit Raven perfectly.

"Could you do me a favor and lace the back up for me?"

"Of course." Starfire pulled herself away from the jewelry to walk back into the dressing rooms. Catching sight of Raven's room, Starfire ventured in after asking permission.

"Oh, Raven, you look wonderful!" Starfire exclaimed when she looked at her friend. Raven blinked, yet a trace of pink lit her cheeks.

"Thanks," she muttered. "Could you lace the back up for me?"

"Of course."

The only problem with the dress was the corset. Raven had no idea it was real until Starfire laced the dress up with all her strength. Raven could hardly breath as Star jerked on the strings and Raven pressed her hand against her chest it hopes of breathing. The material of the corset was hard and Raven thanked God that it was not made of whalebone as the corsets used to be in the old days. Starfire finished quickly and turned Raven around so she could look at her appearance. And she was very pleased with the results.

She actually looked really good. Her waist had become much small thanks to the corset. Since the dress had no straps, her shoulders were bare and her chest…well, she had a feeling that Beast Boy would drool when he saw her. Raven pressed her palm against the swell of her breasts and took a deep breath.

"Well, I think I found my dress."

Starfire smiled. "Good. Now, all you need is foot apparel and mayhap jewelry."

Raven nodded and asked Starfire to undo the laces. Once she was out of the dress, Raven took a much needed breath and smiled softly. It seemed to surprise Starfire, because she stood there, gawking, before she laughed and wrapped Raven in a bear hug. First off, she was completely embarrassed because she was only wearing her undergarments, and the fact that Star was hugging her.

"Starfire—what—"

"You are no longer inexpressive! You have finally smiled!"

Raven ignored her comment about being unemotional. "Okay, yes, sure. Now let me down, Star. This is highly uncomfortable."

Starfire dropped Raven, still grinning beautifully, all traces of past heartbreak gone. "I am just thrilled that you are finally happy."

"Happy? I'm not happy. I'm…"

"Happy," Starfire said softly. "You have changed now that you are with Beast Boy. Mayhap you are now free to feel because you love him."

"I do not love Beast Boy," Raven snapped angrily, but Starfire just giggled.

"Whatever you say, Raven. I shall be waiting outside." Starfire walked out, laughing gleefully. Raven muttered foul curses under her breath while she pulled on her clothes, yet her words held no malice.

Starfire walked out of the room, grinning. She was so happy for Raven. She had finally found love, even though she was unwilling to admit it. Not even thoughts of Robin doused her pleasure, for Raven was happy. Truly happy and that was all the mattered.

Starfire smothered her grin when she received looks from the customers and workers, and walked to the far wall where shoes were put on display. To busy her hands, she grabbed a pair of dark, thigh-length boots and studied them, biting her lower lip to keep from smiling. It was about time Raven finally found joy in the world.

"You know, I actually like those." Starfire turned around to see Raven studying the pair of high-heeled boots. "That would look really good with that dress."

Starfire nodded and handed them to her. "Try them on."

Raven did, deciding that they were perfect. They spend another thirty minutes in the shop, gathering the make-up Raven wanted and jewelry, which, of course, were all dark. But it no longer mattered. Raven was in high spirits. Though she didn't show it, she was, well, normal. Or as normal as a half-demon could get.

"Now," Raven muttered, struggling with the huge bag, "we've got to get you something to wear."

Starfire grinned and took the bag with ease. "Yes, of course. We could also stop at the Bath Of Body."

"Bath and Bodyworks?" Raven offered with a raised eyebrow.

"Yes, of course. Could we perhaps browse there as well?"

"Sure. I've got nothing better to do." And anyways, she needed to smell good as well as look good. "Since we're not paying for it, I'm more than willing."

Starfire clapped her hands merrily. "Is this not fun, Friend Raven?"

"Sure. It's a real joy." But in all actuality, she wasn't on the verge of tearing her hair out. This outing was…well…enjoyable. She had never had this much fun in years. Well, except when Beats Boy kissed her, but that was a different category all together.

Three hours (and four-hundred dollars later) Raven and Starfire picked a tiny restaurant and sat down, their bags crowed around them. All the shopping for the dance was now complete and the girls were starving. After they ordered their drinks and food, Starfire sighed.

"We are now complete with jewelry, dresses, shoes, hairclips, make-up," she was now counting on her fingers, "bath paraphernalia, and…I think that is it, yes?"

Raven shrugged. "I guess. I've never shopped this much in my entire life."

"Neither have I. On my planet, all clothes and body utensils were handmade. I was never allowed to leave the premises of my kingdom so everything was delivered to my room." The waiter arrived with the food, winking flirtatiously at Star. She smiled sweetly at him, causing Raven to raise an eyebrow. The blonde waiter grinned and sauntered off.

"What was that about," Raven asked after eating a portion of her food.

Star shrugged. "I am no longer waiting for something that will never happen. I have decided that it is time I date and give myself to other men."

"What do you mean, give yourself to other men? Like…sleep with them?" Raven seriously hopped that was not the case.

Starfire laughed. "Of course not. I meant give them my time, not body. I have decided that I will wait until I am in a marriage before I perform the act of mating with a man."

Raven blinked. "Well, I'm sure Robin will be happy to hear that."

Starfire scowled, shoving a large portion of food into her mouth. "I could care less about what Robin cares about. If I had not decided to wait until marriage, that fact would have me in multiple beds by now."

Raven choked on her drink. "Jesus, Starfire, where did you learn all this stuff from?"

"Your novels and movies." Starfire smiled sweetly, handing a napkin to her flustered friend. Raven wiped her mouth.

"You have seriously changed, Star."

She smiled sadly, polishing off the last of her meal. "We all have."

"True. Did you know that Cyborg asked Bumblebee to marry him?"

Starfire's bottle green eyes widened. "Truly? Oh, how glorious for them!"

"Yeah. Bumblebee called me the day Cy told us, and wanted me and you to be her bridesmaid. I told her we would. Is that fine with you? She said she had no family and we were her only women friends, so—"

"I would be honored to be the bride of maid!" Raven raised an eyebrow at her choice of words as she paid the bill.

"I just hope she'll pick descent dresses. I would hate to have to wear something ugly in front of everyone."

"Including Beast Boy?" Starfire asked slyly, earning a dark glare from Raven.

"No. Of course not. I just hate ugly dresses. I'm sure you could wear anything and still be happy," Raven muttered.

"I do not think that is true."

"Umm-hmm. Sure." The waiter who had flirted with Starfire earlier winked as they walked out. Starfire blushed.

"Raven, I was wondering…"

"What?"

"Well…" Starfire trailed off, her cheeks bright with an embarrassed blush.

"Spit it out, Starfire."

"I wanted you to travel with me to the house of Jonathan."

"House of…why?"

Starfire blinked. "I wish to ask him to the dance of formal."

Raven's eyebrows drew together. "So you're going to start dating right away?"

She shook her head, clutching her bag closer to her. "No…well, asking Jonathan to go to the dance of formal will lessen the sting when Robin takes the blonde bimbo—I mean girl—to the dance."

"Blonde bimbo?" Raven's lips curved in amusement.

Starfire gave her a sidelong glance. "I corrected myself, did I not?"

"Okay, sure. But how do you know he will even take her?"

"Intuition."

"Oh. Sure. So you want me to go with you so you can ask this guy out," Raven clarified.

"Yes. I would end up stuttering and making a fool of myself, for I have never asked a guy on a…date."

"Okay. But I don't think me going will—"

"Raven, please, I beg of you!" Starfire pleaded, and by the desperate look in her eye, Raven was deathly afraid that she would get on her knees and really beg.

"Fine, fine," Raven said quickly, lowering her head when Starfire's outburst gained attention form the occupants of the store. "I'll go. Just…keep your voice down." Raven sighed, defeated. "When do you plan on going?"

"Could we travel there now?" Starfire asked, pinning Raven with a puppy-dog stare.

"Whatever," Raven muttered, under her breath. Starfire clapped her hands with a giggle.

"I would have never thought you would be so thrilled to ask a guy out who isn't Robin."

Starfire quieted instantly. "I am not thrilled, Raven. I merely have no choice, unless I wish to go alone and suffer watching whilst Robin enjoys his date."

"Oh. True." They walked out of the store and Raven noticed that the temperature had dropped a good five degrees while they had been in the mall. And from the dark, forbidding clouds, she figured they were in for a good storm.

"Great," she muttered.

"What troubles you?" Starfire asked, popping open the trunk of her car and sliding the bags in.

"We've got a storm coming, and I don't think it will wait much longer. Let's hurry and get to this guys house, alright?"

"He lives in my apartments, so we will not have to journey further." Starfire said. As they climbed into the car, the sky opened open, rain poring down in sheets.

Starfire sighed, flicking on the windshield-wipers and headlights. "This weather is horrid. I wonder how the boys are doing."

"Probably strolling around in Victoria Secrets."

"Who is Victoria Secrets?" Starfire asked innocently and Raven shook her head, amused.

"It's a store, Star. They sell…oh never mind. You'll find out later."

Starfire slid a glance at Raven, but turned her attention back to the road. Truth was, she was really nervous about asking Jonathan out. What if he said no? What if he was only being friendly and had no interest in her at all? What if she was forced to go to the dance of formal alone? Obviously, her insecurities showed, for Raven asked her what was the matter.

"What's wrong? Nervous about asking this guy out?"

"Yes," Starfire admitted, pulling into the garage of her apartments. "I am unsure if he will want to go with me."

"He probably will. Even if he doesn't, it won't be the end of the world."

"You are right," Starfire said on a sighed, climbing out of the vehicle. "Can we leave the baggage's in here until I get this over with?"

"Sure," Raven muttered, following her to the elevator. On the ride up, Starfire was quiet, wringing her hands and biting her lip. Raven kept silent, for nothing would help calm the girl's nerves. She understood why Starfire was so desperate to get a date, but she would have never acted so nervous were she put in Star's shoes.

The elevator stopped on Star's floor, and Raven followed her past her door and father down the wide hall. Starfire stopped abruptly and knocked on the white wood of the door.

It opened, revealing a tall, lanky red head with bright blue eyes and thin glasses. He was adorable, yes, but Raven had to admit that Starfire could do so much better.

"Rose," the young man said, surprise evident on his cute face. "What are you doing here?"

Starfire bit her lip and Raven watched as the guys eyes dropped down to her mouth, almost entranced. He had yet to even notice Raven was there.

"I was wondering if…maybe…if you would go with me to my school dance on the twentieth."

"Me?" He asked, unbelieving. "You want me to go to your dance? Do you mean as a date?"

Starfire nodded, a sweet grin gracing her face. "Would you mind taking me? You do not have to, if you do not—"

"I would love to!" He said, his eyes wide with shocked. "I mean, yes, I would take you…on a date…to your dance." He suddenly grinned, and Raven was aware that it actually made him look handsome. Though the red hair was a bit too bright for her taste, he was an attractive man.

Starfire blushed, laying a hand on the guys arm. His eyes widened even further, his cheeks flaming with a blush. Obviously this man was not used to being touched by the opposite sex.

"I cannot thank you enough, Jonathan."

"It's…no problem. I would love to." Starfire grinned. She leaned in to give him a chaste kiss on the cheek, and Raven though the poor man was going to faint. Starfire grabbed Raven's hand, and Jonathan finally took notice of her.

"Are you a friend of Rose's?"

Starfire blinked, glancing down at Raven, and blushed. "Oh, yes, this is—"

"Dru Moody," Raven said, pasting on a grin and offering her hand. Jonathan's eyes wondered over her, taking in everything before taking her hand. She was surprised at the strength of his grip. He didn't seem like the strong type.

"Hi. I'm Jonathan. But most people call me Jon…well, my family does, seeing as I don't really have any friends…" He blushed, offering her a small smile. "Sorry. I ramble when I get nervous. It's not every day I get asked out by a beautiful woman and met her equally attractive friend." Raven and Starfire blushed at the comment, and she realized that he still held her hand. Obviously, the fact hit him as well for he dropped her hand quickly, his cheeks flaming.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean—"

"It's fine," Raven said, glancing at Starfire, who was watching with mild curiosity.

"Well, er, it was nice to meet you, Dru. And, uh, Rose, what time should I pick you up…or walk to you apartment…" His eyebrows drew together. "I think you know what I mean. Is this dance formal or casual?"

"Formal," Raven said, shoving her hands into her pockets and stepping away from the door.

"Oh, I guess I need to rent a tux, then." He grinned at Starfire as she once again kissed his cheek. "Well, then, goodbye." Jonathan shut the door softly and Raven shook her head as she heard the triumphed yell he gave.

"Well," Raven said as she turned around, "he seems…Robin." Raven blinked at the raw fury and pain written across his face as he stared at them. Beast Boy grimaced and exchanged glances with the little boy who was in his arms.

Raven glanced at Starfire. She stood with her chin tilted up, shoulders back and eyes emotionless. "Robin," she said softly.

He said nothing, just gripped the bags in his hand until his knuckles turned white. "Starfire." They stood like that for what seemed like hours when Starfire finally strode past him, heading for the elevator. Raven followed behind her, eyebrow raised. Well, she mused to herself, that was…interesting. I've only seen Robin like that when we were trailing Slade.

As the elevator doors closed, the door to Starfire's apartment slammed. Both girls' flinched.


"I can't believe this!" Robin roared, throwing the bags on the counter, his fist clenched. "Of all the damn guys she can date, she goes for him!" Robin slammed down a fist and tried to control his breathing.

Beast Boy sat the little boy down and crossed his arms over his chest. "Hurts, doesn't it?" he asked softly, and all the anger drained from Robin instantly. He collapsed in a chair, pinching the bridge of his nose with his thumb and index finger.

"Yeah," he admitted softly. "It really does."

Beast Boy walked to where the bags were and started to straighten then. "That's how Starfire felt. But her pain was probably much worse because she was, probably still is, in love with you."

Robin sighed. "She kissed him."

Beast Boy shook his head. "On the cheek, Robin. That's it. But I hate to say that she'll be kissing more than just his cheek once—"

"I don't need to hear this, BB."

"I know," Beast Boy said with understanding. His anger had cooled down considerably once he heard why Robin pushed her away. Yeah, the guy was afraid of losing her, but didn't he realize that it would kill him if he lost her anyway? It didn't matter what they were labeled as. If he lost Starfire, it would tear him to pieces no matter what. But Robin was going to have to find that out for himself.

"But it's going to happen sooner or later."

"I know, I know," Robin groaned, rubbing his palms over his face. "But I didn't know it would hurt this bad."

"Yeah, well, everything had a consequence, Rob. If it didn't, it really wouldn't be worth it in the first place."

Robin lifted his eyes to glare at Beast Boy. "What is with you and your constant philosophy? You were never like this at the tower."

Beast Boy grinned. "As I said before, I've changed. And I have to say it's for the better."

Robin snorted. "That's a matter of opinion."

Beast Boy smirked. "Funny. So are you going to ask that girl to the dance now that Starfire has a date with the boy next door?"

Robin snarled at Beast Boy's choice of words. "I guess. I'm not going alone now that Starfire has a…date."

Beast Boy shook his head. "All this is just aggravating."

"No shit, Sherlock," Robin muttered as he reached for the phone. He really dreaded taking Rebecca to the dance, but he really didn't have a choice, unless he wanted to stay in the corner and watch that idiot dance with his Starfire—no, not his Starfire… just…damnit.

After a few rings, Rebecca answered. "Hey, Rebecca."

"Grayson?" She squealed and Robin held the phone away from his ear with a grimace.

Yeah, it's me."

"I thought you would never talk to me after we had sex!" Robin groaned, casting a glance at Beast Boy, who was trying to suppress a chuckle. He could actually hear the girl even though he was in the kitchen.

"Yeah, well, I, uh…was wondering if you wanted to go to the dance with me…"

He groaned and shoved the phone away from him as she squealed her head off. Beast Boy jumped at the shrills and stared at the phone like it had leaped out of Robin's had and started to walk.

"My God," Beast Boy muttered with a shake of his head. "You poor man."

Robin glared, pulling the phone back to his ear. "Would that be a yes, maybe…?"

"Of course! I would love to go with you, Gray! I have the perfect dress, too." She said something seductively that had Robin blushing.

"Well, er, I guess I'll pick you up, then."

"Great! I can't wait until then!" Robin hung up the phone with a grimace.

"And you gave up Starfire for that?"

"Shut up, Beast Boy." Robin muttered, not even looking up when the door opened and Raven and Starfire walked in. Christian squealed, running to Starfire and throwing himself at her. Starfire chuckled, dropping her bags so she could catch him. Thankfully, the bags had been enveloped in a black light before they could spill out on the floor.

"Hi!" Christian said, throwing his arms around Starfire's neck. She chuckled, rubbing the little boy's back.

"Hi yourself." He quickly tugged on her hair so he could be let down, and scurried off to his toys. Starfire shook her head, and turned, never once looking at Robin.

"I think I shall retire to my room for awhile," she mumbled.

"Yeah, Beast Boy and I are heading home anyways." Raven gathered her things from the bag, swiftly shoving them into bags. Beast Boy watched her, trying to catch a glimpse of the things she bought, but her movements were too quick. He sighed and grabbed his things as well.

"See you later guys," Beast Boy said as he shut the door, leaving Starfire and Robin alone. They exchanged scowls, Robin storming to the living room and Starfire going to her room.

Just to spark his temper, Starfire slammed the door.


Sorry if there are any mistakes, I got impatient and needed to get this posted. Ya know, it's gotten to where I get nervous about posting these chapters. (Grimaces) I check over it countless times for mistakes, but I can't seem to get all of them. So I apologize for the mistakes that I missed. Oh, and, er, I'm not exactly good at describing dresses, so just bear with me about Raven's gown. I know the description sucked, but hey, what are you gonna do? So, well…er, until next time.