Chapter three, for all of you wonderful people out there! Really, the reader response has been pretty overwhelming, and I'm very honored by your many words of praise. Please see the end for Author's Notes, as usual.

I don't own Teen Titans or anything else that may get an obscure mention. To sue me is silly, my last meal was half a box of mac'n'cheese, and it was the best thing I'd eaten in three days. Does it sound like I have money to you?

Anyways, on to the chapter, enjoy!

-o-

Starfire paused outside her friend's door, in need of some of what she had learned was called 'girl talk', but unable to decide if it would be a good idea to go inside with as quiet as it was behind the metal door. Usually one would hear something if other titan was inside, a faint shuffling of books, the sound of pages turning, and even the low hum of her monotone chant. But all she could hear was silence.

"Raven?" she called after a few moment's of thought, knocking gently on the door.

Inside, Raven lazily stirred from her slumber, distantly noticing through the crack in her window shade that it was nearly dinner time. "Eh…yeah?" she called back, unconsciously snuggling the cat closer to her chest.

"May I come in? I wish to speak with you."

Raven sat straight up, hastily rearranging herself on the bed so the cat was sleeping far away from her and it looked like she had been reading all along though her bed companion gave her an un-amused look at the shifting. "Sure." A flick of her power unlocked the door and opened it silently, giving her visitor a clear entryway.

Starfire bore with her two plates of Cyborg's lasagna, a bowl of tofu, a bowl of water, a mug of tea and a class of milk, giving a sheepish grin as she set them down a side table. Raven distantly noted that if Starfire ever lost interest in fighting crime, she had more than enough balance to be a good waitress, but that thought was quickly tossed aside. "Cyborg and Robin left earlier to follow a lead on Mammoth, so I thought perhaps you wouldn't mind us partaking of our meal here."

"That's fine," replied Raven, all too glad for anything that moved the attention away from herself and the cat. The two bowls she set aside on the floor, knowing her charge would eat when he was hungry. "What did you want to talk about?"

"It is complicated…"

The pair sat themselves on the floor with their backs to bed, both taking a plate of lasagna as the cat continued to nap above them. Starfire took a bite, chewing it thoroughly before she began to reply. "It is about friend Robin…"

"He hasn't said something stupid, has he?" Raven replied quickly. "He knows some things don't translate well, even if it has been a couple of years."

"No…well, I am unsure." Taking another bite liberally spread with mustard, Starfire went on. "I am forced to confess that I have been developing certain…feelings of the heart for some time now for friend Robin." Seeing Raven just roll her eyes with a small grin, she added slowly, "This does not surprise you?"

"Starfire, I think the only one who doesn't know you like Robin is Robin himself," she replied in what passed for gentle with Raven, it being more of a dry comment in reality. She shrugged, giving her a faint smile. "You're pretty open with what you feel, you know."

She blushed faintly, fiddling with her fork. "Well, yes, but…if this is true, why does friend Robin not seem to notice?"

"I think he might," admitted Raven, thinking of the many times Robin had blushed when looking at Starfire or been a gentleman when it wasn't necessary (i.e. pulling the chair for Starfire, holding doors open for her when they went out as a group, etc). "But, he's ignoring it in his own, 'manly' way."

"Why?" Starfire's eyes suddenly grew large and teary, moisture gathering in the corners of them. "Does…does he not have feelings of the heart for me in return? I thought…I thought he had feelings of the heart…for me as well…my magazines you refer to as brain-mutilating trash seemed to indicate so…!"

"No, no! He does, I swear!" the dark Titan replied quickly, putting a tentative hand on Starfire's shoulder though she still didn't know quite what to do in that situation. Again, she was more comfortable with her friends than she had been in the past, but dealing with emotional outbursts was still beyond her comfort zone. It seemed to be enough, though, as the alien woman calmed down and just sat there pouting and waiting for her to continue. "I mean…look, Starfire, you know I'm not good with all this stuff, but here's what I see. Robin likes you a whole lot more than he does the rest of us. He gets furious when people even look at you the wrong way, and I know when something happens to you out there, fighting crime, the look on his face is like someone died. If that doesn't scream 'I like you!' coming from my highly limited experience, then I don't know what does."

"Have you…felt him feel something for me?" asked Starfire hesitantly, giving her wide puppy eyes that glimmered with hope.

"You know I don't talk about what I feel others feeling unless it's super-important," she replied flatly, turning away slightly as the orange alien continued to stare hopefully. "Starfire…!"

"Oh…alright…"

Raven glanced over at the crestfallen titan, her heart twisting in two, and sighed, muttering, "Whatever it is that you're feeling, he's reciprocating it, a lot. It's quite disgusting, actually, when I get caught in the crossfire." She was only given a moment of recollection of one particular incident that gave her a slightly nauseous feeling when she was crushed by one of Starfire's famous hugs, only a cat-like protest immediately stopping the rib-bending squeeze.

The green cat popped his head up between them, Starfire immediately backing off as she and Raven looked at him in puzzlement. Satisfied, he settled back down in Raven's lap as though he had been there for awhile.

"When did friend Beastboy move to such a position?" asked Starfire slowly.

"I don't know," admitted Raven, pausing only for a moment before she realized she would have to do something to stay within her usual character. Lifting the cat up by the ruff of his neck, she pulled his face even with hers and glared at him half-heartedly. "No! My lap, not yours!" Glancing over, she noticed the bowls empty and licked clean. "At least you ate good…"

"I suppose he was most in need of sustenance," Starfire chuckled as she followed her gaze.

When the cat just smirked and twitched his whiskers, trying to lick her nose from his advantageous position, she dropped him off to the side, ignoring the knowing look Starfire was giving her. "Well, is there anything else you wanted to ask?" she ventured as her friend beamed again, even brighter than before.

"No, I believe I have found sufficient answers for many of my questions," she replied in a way that made Raven think she wasn't as oblivious as most people would think. That wasn't a comforting thought, either. "Thank you for the talk of girls, Raven. It has been most helpful, and I promise not to tell Robin that you shared his personal feelings with me."

"Anytime."

"I believe I shall go and make a pudding of Heartfelt Joy," Starfire said as she floated through the air, taking the plates, bowls and her cup with her. Raven's mug was cradled in her hands, and it would be awhile before she finished. Pausing in the doorway, the alien smiled brightly and added, "I believe I am going to go and speak with friend Robin tonight, Raven. I will let you know how it goes, and perhaps when Beastboy is himself again you and he could have a similar conversation. Bye!"

Raven let the protest die on her lips, grumbling for a moment about nosey aliens and crazy green cats before something licked her cheek. She turned to see him sitting there on the bed even with her head, getting her nose with his tongue before she could move in time.

'AWWWW!'

Blushing, an act that seemed to be happening more and more lately, she let him curl up next to her cheek, one hand coming up to rub him behind the ears gently. The feel of the purr through her face was…odd, but nice.

"I wish you'd never turned into a cat," she murmured quietly as she closed her eyes.

'Now I know you don't mean that…'

Wisdom was right, she didn't, but it would make things easier.

'You mean we would still be hiding from him.'

Hm, Timid. Figures, her own feelings of inadequacy and shame creeping up on her to simply show her the truth of her actions. Only she would have something that messed up going on in her head.

'BURP! Eh…just show up in his room one day and refuse to leave. That might get the message across.'

:Thanks, Rude, that's real helpful: she mentally retorted in a dry tone. :Because that wouldn't draw a few odd looks.:

'No! We can't do anything to draw attention to us...no, please no…'

She briefly smiled as Wisdom comforted Timid, poor, shy girl…

'You could just kiss him the next time you see him, which would be easy and efficient.'

:No, Affection, just…no.:

'Aw, c'mon! You know you want to…'

:Go away.:

'See, you do, you do, you do! Lack of denial again! Just a little one, right on top of his head. Cyborg says he's in a coma, right? He won't even remember it when he comes back.'

Raven glanced at the cat happily rubbing his head against her cheek, feeling very much like a junior high girl being bullied into telling a boy she thought he was cute. It wasn't a feeling she was fond of, either.

'C'mon, just once, it's not even on the lips, just right on top of his furry little noggin.'

:No.:

'Why not, please?'

:No.:

'At least tell me why.'

:No.:

'Alright, you drove me to it…I would've left it alone if you just told me why, but…if you don't do it, I'll have Happy sing the song that never ends for the rest of the night, Lambchop style.'

Raven's eyes narrowed. :You wouldn't dare.:

'Wanna bet? I developed a high tolerance for it recently, so it wouldn't bother me one bit. Oh Happy…?'

Acting before she could stop and think about the consequences, she swung her head around, reaching up just enough to place a small, chaste peck between his ears. He seemed to smile as he immediately slid into her lap, snuggling up to her chest instantly and nuzzling her ardently just below her throat. She blushed as he continued for some time, trying to ignore the way Happy bounced joyously off the walls of her mind, Affection laughed in triumph, and Wisdom seemed to hum approvingly.

:Are you satisfied: She asked flatly, trying to ignore the tremor even in her mind's voice.

'Perhaps the better question is: are you satisfied?'

She ignored them as they tried to play Yoda-games with her head, getting up to remove her belt and wrist ornaments and set them beside the cloak on its hook. Shooing Beastboy towards the head of the bed, she put him under the covers and for once he obeyed, staying there as she quickly changed into her usual sleep attire of a white tank top and shorts. The leotard was great, most of the time, but sleeping she would wake up feeling like she was choking herself half the time. And besides, Affection was right about one thing, if he wouldn't remember it, what was the harm?

It was far earlier than she usually went to bed, but it had been bit of a trying day. With as active as her emotions had been and the ordeal of girl talk with Starfire, her mind was worn out, and she was ready enough to sleep again that she was fairly confident that she wouldn't wake up halfway through the night wide awake. Leaving only the lamp by her bed on, she picked up the book she'd been reading earlier and settled herself in with Beastboy snuggled into her side to finish the chapter before she turned in for the night. The mug of tea she sipped at quickly disappeared and was set aside empty on the nightstand.

'You still haven't decided what to do,' Affection whispered softly.

She ignored her, feeling the way her emotion seemed to chuckle at her lack of response and back away for the time being. There would always be later to torment her, and she was sure they would, too.

Closing the book carefully when she finished and being sure to mark her page, she set it aside and turned off the light, about to lay down and sleep when her companion seemed to stop her, one paw insistently pressing her hand.

"What?" she asked, discerning his outline in the moonlight from the window. He bowed his head, as if waiting patiently, and it hit her. He wanted another…!

Glancing around as if to be sure no one was watching, she bent over and placed another peck on his head, a little longer than the one before, and got a gentle lick on the cheek for her trouble. Snorting softly in amusement, she laid down, letting him curl up as he had been the morning before. She could protest if she wanted to, make him sleep in the corner again, but they both knew he would find his way into her arms again before morning and she wouldn't have the heart to punish him for it.

'That's the spirit! If you can't beat 'em, join 'em!'

Raven rolled her eyes as Happy giggled at her own cleverness.

"You're going to be the death of me," she informed him dryly as she vaguely heard voices outside her door as someone walked down the hall. He seemed to agree as he gave her another lick, turning over and quickly falling asleep. Sighing softly, she followed suit, dimly aware that she had never been happier.

-o-

Starfire practically skipped down the hall after her talk with Raven, beaming brightly as she passed Cyborg on the way to the kitchen.

"Hello, friend Cyborg, is today not simply glorious?" she cried joyfully as she momentarily onto his arm. "I believe I shall go make a Pudding to celebrate!"

"Eh, maybe we could make muffins instead, that way everyone could have some," the machine-man offered quickly in a desperate attempt to save all their stomachs. "We can even make some with mustard especially for you."

Falling for the bait, she heartily agreed and floated ahead of him to the kitchen to find Robin there already.

"Friend Robin, Cyborg is going to help me make muffins!" she informed him brightly, her smile faltering as he gave a noncommittal grunt and left, obviously focused on the sheaf of papers in his hands. "Robin…?"

"Don't take it personally, he's worried about the whole Beastboy thing," Cyborg explained as she remained rather quiet for a moment. "In a way, he blames himself, for not preventing it somehow. And he's afraid of alienating Raven by giving her cat-sitting duties that she doesn't seem thrilled about. The whole team is thrown off by this, and that's not something he can ignore."

"Then I will go and take him some muffins when we are through," she decided firmly, pulling out the necessary implements as Cyborg grabbed the mix, milk, eggs, oil, and mustard. Her joyful mood fully restored, it didn't take long to put it together and pour it in the paper cups before sliding it all in the oven. Clean up left them with ten more minutes to wait, in which Starfire immediately asked, "How did the following of the lead go?"

"It went nowhere," Cyborg sighed, scratching his head. "Some guy who could pass for Mammoth's twin was causing some problems at a club; we were only called in because of the notice out on the trio. He may be just as ugly as the real one, but he hasn't got half the strength. It was easy to take him out, but pretty much useless."

"Oh, I am sorry to hear that…"

"What about you and Raven, you did you pass the time?" he returned with a smile, trying to lighten the mood for her sake. "I saw you ate some of the dinner we left for you."

"Yes, it was most delicious, I thank you," she replied quickly, perking up again. "Raven and I spent time in her room speaking as we ate the meal of evening."

"Really? About what?"

"Oh…talk of the girls."

Cyborg immediately nodded, knowing he wouldn't get anything more out of her than that and more than happy to leave it alone. They had agreed when Raven and Starfire became close after having their bodies swapped, among the guys, that when faced with such a topic to steer clear of it instantly, for all their sakes. Messing with girl talk was like messing with an enraged cobra, one just didn't do it if you wanted to live long or come away fairly intact.

"So," he said, attempting to do just that. "She's not threatening to kill BB all the time, is she? I mean, he is behaving himself, right?"

"They are fine," she replied with a mysterious smile and a gleam that could just possibly be scheming in her eyes. "Beastboy is…being himself. As is friend Raven."

"Being their self usually means BB messes with her until she's about to pop, and then she scares him into next week," Cyborg mumbled, unsure if that was news to be welcomed. Starfire just shrugged and smiled, something she certainly wouldn't have done if she actually feared for their teammate's life. Making a mental note to do some checking in the video logs just to be sure, he shrugged and let it go.

The timer went off, Starfire immediately taking two plates out as Cyborg removed their cooperative culinary creation and began to pop them out onto the plate. Using a spatula, he managed to do so without getting burned but nearly screamed when Starfire took one of her mustard ones and peeled off the paper to pop it whole, still steaming hotly, into her mouth.

"Oh, that was glorious!" she said with a sigh as he watched her with a dropped jaw. How could her mouth…! Taking the other plate, she took two normal muffins and set them on it carefully.

"I am going to find friend Robin, now," she said as she floated to the door. "Thank you, Cyborg, for your most wonderful help."

"Anytime," he replied, feeling a little dazed. She was an alien, he knew that, but sometimes her alien capabilities liked to surprise him like a turtle in surprise when a semi goes over top of it. Snapping out of it, he remembered the video files and headed for his room. This should be interesting…

-o-

Starfire found Robin in the training room after searching for him elsewhere, their leader running a simulation against Adonis, Gizmo, and Mammoth where he was beaten back time and time again by the villains' powerful combination attacks.

"Robin?" she called carefully, getting his attention long enough to get a quick nod and holding the plate where he could see it. Hitting the abort button, the simulation disappeared, Robin grabbing a towel to wipe off his face as he walked over to where she waited and plopped down beside her.

"Thanks, I was just about to go grab a snack before going a few more rounds," he said with a sincere smile as he picked up a muffin and juggled the hot treat expertly before taking a bite without burning his tongue. "Mm…very good. Anyways, they may have gotten by us once, but it won't happen again."

"Robin…?" Catching his eyes, she held his gaze firmly as he took another bite. "It was not your fault."

"I'm the leader, it's my responsibility to protect everyone on this team, keep them safe," he replied firmly, giving his head a quick shake. "You don't understand."

"I understand that if your job were truly to simply keep us safe, we would be ordered to remain in the Tower and never join you on missions," she sighed softly, putting a gentle hand on his arm. "Robin…we understand the dangers of this job, but we all continue to participate because it is something that we need to do. To not fight crime, to not save the lives of others…it would be like asking a snorfle blax not to excrete its blaflenox! It is simply not possible!"

Amused, briefly, by her description, he still shook his head slowly. "Then, you're saying Beastboy is just a casualty of our job? That's not acceptable."

"No, friend Beastboy was not a casualty, what happened was a mistake," she said, putting a gentle hand on his arm. "One that could have happened to any of us, so do not think you can take all the blame, Robin. We are all imperfect, we all…miss things. No one blames you for what happened, so you should not either."

Giving her a slow, dry smile as she gave him a mulish look that let him know she'd argue with him until the next day if necessary, he sighed. "I guess…you might be right."

She practically beamed in return, internally loving the way a blush instantly spread across his nose and cheeks though she didn't say anything about it. She was beginning to think friend Raven was very right in her observations. "Thank you. Now, you shall accompany me upstairs to finish the goodness that is muffins and watch a movie with me."

"But, my training…!" he protested quickly, unable to stop her when she seized his hand and bodily dragged him through the door. "Starfire!"

"Too much training and not enough reenergizing activities makes the donkey who has misplaced his rear end a tedious being to speak with."

Translating that in his mind took so much time that Robin was in the main room before he knew it, more muffins in front of him and Starfire turning on their TV as she picked out something to watch. Oh well, there were worse fates in life.

"Say, you wouldn't know how Raven's holding up, would you?" he asked curiously as she popped in a Disney DVD, specifically Snow White. Not his favorite, but she seemed to find the small dwarves highly amusing and if she was happy it was alright with him.

"They are fine, they are both simply being themselves," she replied, giving the same response as she had with Cyborg. And as before, Robin seemed to doubt her words.

"Are you sure?" He rubbed the back of his neck, watching her movements carefully. "I mean, Raven's not exactly the most tolerant person around, and BB's more than a little persistent when he wants to be."

"Which is precisely whey they are doing the getting along so well."

Robin blinked, even more confused than before. "Starfire, are you really sure…?"

"Robin, why are you concerned about friend Raven?" she asked suddenly, giving him a look that he swore had a touch of panic to it. "You have never…questioned me at this length concerning her before. Is it because you care for her…?"

"Of course I care about her," he replied simply, not noticing the hurt in her eyes as he shrugged slightly. "But it's the same way I care about Cyborg, Beastboy, and…you."

"Oh…then you do not hold any…particular feelings for her?" The note of hope in Starfire's voice was lost on their generally perceptive leader as she sat close to him on the couch.

"What? No! No, Raven is…a friend. A good friend, yes, because…we have similarities between us." He suddenly let out a dry snort of laughter. "But I honestly think we'd end up killing each other if we ever decided to start dating, and she probably knows that too. So, we're friends, that's all."

"So, there is no one you have special feelings of the heart for?" Her question seemed innocent enough, her eyes focused on the screen but somehow he could still feel her gaze.

"No…well, yes, but…" He trailed off, glancing at her with a blush staining his cheeks before turning back to watch the dwarves peek in on the sleeping Snow White. "She's…very special, Star…but it would never work out."

"Why is that, friend Robin?"

"Because…she's too pure, too light, and I'm…darkness. I don't deserve someone like her, and I probably never will."

Leaving it at that, he settled in and moved to make her more comfortable when she rested her head on his shoulder. She hadn't given up, not yet, but perhaps a different tactic was in order. Remaining there, towards the end as the prince leaned over to awake his lovely princess with a kiss she forced herself to slow her breathing and close her eyes, faking sleep as best she could. The movie ended, the credits rolling up the screen as and she felt Robin looking down at her with his piercing gaze. Moving gently, he removed himself from under her and stretched her out on the couch, gently tucking a blanket around her still form before pausing beside her head. She could feel him lean over slightly, his break warm on her cheek before he abruptly pulled back and left silently.

She opened her eyes once she was sure he was gone, a frown in place. That was it, she going to consult her many glamour magazines. This called for drastic measures, as she was not about to let Robin get away, and she thought she knew just where to look. Getting up, she floated back to her room and shut the door. Now it was time to plan…

-o-

Cyborg sat in front of the computer in the basement by his car, thinking about which camera to try first. The hall outside Raven's door? The main room? He knew accessing the cameras in the private rooms was forbidden unless given expressed permission for something important. Those had been installed after Adonis had attacked Beastboy in beast form the first time, as such video footage would've cleared up the actual misunderstanding right away.

Suddenly it struck him, the roof! Of course, Raven had gone there after the incident with Beastboy in the morning (out loud he chuckled quietly, glancing around to be sure no one else was there) and the cat had been with her when she returned. So of course they had to have been up there for awhile. Fast forwarding it until he saw the green cat join her there, he sat back and watched as the scene unfolded in front of him with a slowly dropping jaw.

:Holy…! There's enough blackmail here to make me rich, get me killed, or both:

Raven's face seemed to be permanently stained with a blush through the entire episode, and the warring emotions on her face were so obvious he was surprised something hadn't turned black and blown up as a result.

:Someone's been holding out on us with how much she really can get away with now a days emotion wise…hm. Interesting.:

That, and she let Beastboy be affectionate with her. Nuzzling and licking her hand? Then giving him a belly scratch? And that look in her eyes the whole time. He didn't care if his buddy was trapped in cat form, the implications of something like that, well…he knew Raven had a soft spot for Beastboy, considering how much she put up with from him, but he hadn't known it was that big.

Smiling, he began to plan how to edit this little film and how much he could probably charge Beastboy for it when he returned to a sentient state. Too bad he wasn't about to access Raven's personal room video files, he had a feeling if he dared to cross that line the amount of evidence would be so great…! Well, Beastboy would be his slave for life trying to buy it all, probably. Besides, some of these shots made into close-ups would be great for a prank if he really wanted to get him, if only there was a way to be sure Raven wouldn't get upset…

That's when it hit him: Raven would massacre him if she knew. Just even a hint that he had a handle on what was happening, CRACK! Her black magic would snap him like a twig and toss him aside like a rag doll. Quickly, he deleted it from his personal account, leaving only the original copy in the main files. If someone else stumbled over it, he couldn't do anything about that, but suddenly his dream of emptying Beastboy's pockets was put on hold. Surely there were better, less life-threatening ways to mess with his best friend. Especially ones that didn't involve tempting the fates with Raven's less than forgiving wrath.

-o-

Raven awoke the next morning on her back, the green cat lying over her left shoulder as he bathed her earlobe and the neck below it sweetly. Ignoring the tingling feeling it gave her in her stomach and the way her scalp prickled pleasantly, she blushed and nudged him away. Sighing through her nose as he got up and flopped back down on her stomach, her eyes met his intent gaze curiously.

"Hey," she murmured as she ran a hand over his head, the cat sitting up slightly as if to listen better. "Did you sleep well?"

He yawned and stretched, giving her a pleased look.

"I think that means yes…" Pushing a few stray purple strands out of her eyes, she rubbed her head is if to make it focus better and squinted at the sunlight pouring through the window. Normally, she would get up immediately, gather her things, and head for the bathroom as quickly as possible. Today, however…

"What are we going to do?" she whispered as though he would answer, watching as he idly stood and wandered over to her head, leaning his forehead against her affectionately and holding it there. "This…I can do this," she said as she gently cupped his face. "I can handle it when no one knows, when we don't really talk, and there's no risk…how can you break my heart when we don't admit anything, we just…are?"

Pausing, she let go of his head as he tugged gently, giving her forehead a quick lick before jumping from the bed and heading for the door with an imploring look. "I guess I should feed you," she said a little more briskly as she let the moment pass, well aware of just how much of herself she had already invested in Beastboy without his actual knowledge or consent. What would happen when…?

Pushing such thoughts aside and absently noticing how quiet her emotions were, she gathered together the necessary items and slung the cloak over her shoulders quickly. No one ever saw her in anything outside of her uniform if she had anything to say about it. That wasn't about to change now.

Heading straight to the bathroom, she made her shower and usual toiletries take less time before she hurried down the hall, only pausing outside the doors to the main room to fix an expression of boredom on her face and slow her walk before entering.

Robin was at the counter, making himself a pan of eggs with a little more flourish than usual as he skillfully flipped them over one by one. The explanation for the act was presented as Starfire clapped encouragingly on the other side seated on a barstool, what appeared to be a cup of mustard in front of her that she sipped at occasionally.

"Greetings, friend Raven, is this joyous morning not simply glorious?" she asked brightly as she gave the dark titan an impromptu hug that was tolerated for about thirty seconds before Raven gently removed herself and moved towards the fridge. "I hope your sleep was one of rest."

"Yes, I slept fine," Raven replied simply as she once again prepared the tofu and her tea at the same time. Glancing at the pan as Robin began to flip them onto the plate, she asked, "Showing off a little today, aren't we?"

The smirk she gave him as she caught his eye nearly made him fumble the last one, their fearless leader sputtering for a second before merely giving her a glare and turning to catch the toast as it popped out. Hiding her amusement well as Starfire of course immediately asked what was wrong, she set the plate and bowl down for what could pass for a moldy feline that lapped it up instantly. Her tea she took with her over to the window, sitting a good two feet above the ground with her legs crossed in silent reflection as she sipped the hot drink slowly.

It wouldn't be too much longer until they found a cure or Adonis, the end result was inevitable: Beastboy would be himself again and she would go back to the girl he teased occasionally but for the most part left alone.

'Haven't you learned anything by now?'

Hearing the irritation in Wisdom's voice, she shrugged slightly.

:It would never work.:

'Well, at least you're no longer denying that you wouldn't want it to,' Affection chuckled softly, Raven quickly pulling up her hood as she felt her cheeks begin to burn. The others might find it a little strange if she didn't spend some time around them today, being as shut away as she had been yesterday, but she wondered if it wouldn't be better to go back and hide with the way her emotions seemed to have a mind of their own.

:Why are you bothering me now? You were quiet earlier.:

'That's because you were just so darn CUTE! Oh, I could eat you both up!'

'What Happy means to say,' Wisdom stepped in carefully. 'Is that you were very close to accepting things on your own, without our direct intervention. You allowed him to sleep next to you, and openly shared your affection with him physically. However, it seems that you think this cannot last past the point of his time being stuck as a cat ending.'

:Of course it can't: she snorted dryly, her physical head lowering slightly as she stared down at her mug. :Maybe he is attracted to me, that sort of thing would come out while he's a cat, it explains all of this, but we all know he doesn't really care any more than a friend. It's all physical.:

'Oh you foolish, foolish child…how do you feel about him.'

:I…don't know: She was lying, she knew it, but it was so much easier than telling the truth.

'Raven, I though we already went over that fact that lying to yourself is a pointless, and rather inefficient activity.'

Knowledge. So now even she was getting involved?

'I have records of all of your dreams, wishes, hopes…even the ones you did not dare to voice in your own mind. Guess how many of them revolve around a certain young Titan of green hue and animal powers?'

:I'm not sure I want to know:

'The exact figure is rather daunting, we shall simply term it as 'a lot' for now.'

:Thanks.: Her dry reply garnered faint giggles from someone. At least her sarcasm wasn't entirely useless in this situation.

'Answer the first question, Raven' Wisdom broke in, not one to take being ignored easily. 'Affection is threatening to take over your body and show Beastboy how you really do feel if you do not say so yourself.'

Snorting softly, she was about to tell them to bug off when something twitched the bottle edge of her cloak, two familiar green eyes staring up at her as she glanced down past her legs. Feeling her heart tighten with the sudden urge to gather him up to her chest and never let go as those emerald orbs drew her in, she mentally whispered:

:I like him. I really, really, really like him. I care so much that it hurts sometimes, and I don't know why I try and try to push him away, because he always comes back. Always.:

Letting one arm reach down carefully, she ran her fingers along his furred head before pulling back sharply as she remembered they were not alone. A quick glance confirmed the fact that Robin and Starfire were too absorbed in each other over breakfast to notice anything else, but Cyborg choose that moment to come bursting in, his stomach gurgling loud enough for everyone to hear as he made his way towards the kitchen with a yawn.

'Huston, I think we have a breakthrough' Wisdom teased ever so gently, Raven about to retort with some choice words when the alarm went off and a map appeared on the scream with the location on it.

"Bank robbery, and I think it's one of our boys," said Robin as he quickly scanned the provided information. "Titans, Go!"

"Hold it, what about Beastboy?" asked Cyborg as he shoveled a couple bananas down his throat for the road. "Do we leave him here…?"

"No, he'll have to come," Robin decided grimly. "I don't like leaving him alone when he's helpless, even if he is in the Tower. Raven, you stay back and keep an eye on him, we'll leave him in the T-car when we go in. Now, Titan's, Go!"

They scrambled for the vehicles, Robin zooming out of the garage on his motorcycle with Cyborg and his baby hot on his tail. Raven sat in the back as Beastboy watched through the window, Starfire having claimed the front. The ride was a short one, and she gave the cat a stern look before she left, hoping he would understand. Stay down, keep out of sight, and don't get involved!

Apparently he understood, because she didn't see a single whisker again as she focused on the bank, the front wall bursting apart to reveal Adonis with four bags from the bank slung over his shoulders, his metal suit gleaming as brightly as it had before. He grinned when he saw her, about to speak when Cyborg's cannon caught him head on and he stumbled back a step. Recovering quickly, she realized the powerful blast hadn't even left a dent as Robin called to Starfire, the pair working as a team and still being beaten back just the same.

"Watch out, his suit's even more powerful!" Cyborg yelled as he upped the charge on his cannon, now forced to be especially careful with his aim. At these levels, it could melt through several walls at time if it went awry and civilian casualties were not something he was ok with. Hitting the villain again in the chest, the spot smoldered slightly but still didn't actually harm the hulking creation.

Laughing as he locked hands with Cyborg, going at it robot body to robot suit, his eyes seemed to suddenly taken on a frenzied light as he squeezed and shoved the Titan back with enough force to send him back into the bank and through several desks and chairs.

"You think you can beat Adonis? Adonis will break you!" he practically crowed as he blocked another of Starfire's glowing bolts, taking a hit from Robin's staff to grab it and crush it in one hand. "Goodbye, Blunderboy."

Robin was barely given time to blink before the heavily metal fist slammed into his chest, sending him flying as Starfire immediately hit the villain with enough firepower to take out the entire block. He came out of it with smoke coming off it in streams, but still intact, his smile growing slightly more crazed. "Adonis will win!"

Raven chanted her words quickly as Robin came plummeting back to earth, catching him to bring him gently back by the car. Cyborg was still trying to get up from being thrown, only to be knocked back over again as Starfire was tossed at him rather ungracefully.

"Adonis has taken almost a total victory," he sneered as Raven slowly floated forward, a quick glance back at the car revealing their friend was still keeping his head down. That that worry out of the way she focused inward and brought up her powers, eyes glowing black as they came even.

"You haven't won yet," she told him grimly as she wrapped him in bands of black that made his armor creak and groan in protestation. Hesitating only for a moment, he then grinned again as he closed his eyes and waited for half a breath before he flexed mightily, the bands shattering with an explosive force. Blown back a bit, she threw two blasts at him before trying to wrap him up again. Some how, he managed to break through the black lines, swinging at her and missing but putting her off balance enough that she dropped to the ground.

His fist came at her head in an arch, meeting her black shield only to strike again. The third time it shattered and she was blown on her back, the villain on top of her before she was given a change to act. His arm pressing down on her chest, the air was forced from her lungs as he leered at her openly.

"So feisty," he chastised her. "Now this looks very familiar, eh? Too bad that kid isn't here, bet you left him back at the tower, right? No matter, I'll go and finish him too when I'm done with you here."

A loud yowl caught his attention as her vision began to cloud from the lack of air, her powers useless as she was unable to focus and fear welling up in her chest. Fear, the one emotion that had always seemed to detract from her powers, of course, when she admitted to having it. And right now she was very, very afraid.

"Heh, what do you know, you did bring him along," he said as he held her up, her last view as the giant hand around her throat began to squeeze being Beastboy still as a cat throwing himself against the window angrily. "Perfect. How does it feel to know you can't save her this time, weakling? Fool! Adonis has won!"

Cyborg stumbled, scrambling to get there in time as his eyes widened in horror. Adonis brought up his other hand as Starfire shouted, unable to even move in fear as he covered her head completely as though to crush it with his free hand.

The tension was broken by the sound of shattering glass, Adonis thrown aside by a green blur with such force that he let go of his prize and stumbled back, giving his opponent the chance for a second strike to his chin that sent him reeling into the wall.

It was the Beast. Giving Adonis a disdainful growl, he leaned over Raven, nudging her gently as she lay still on the pavement. Picking her up with a tenderness that surprised Cyborg and Starfire as they slowly began to draw near, he set her away from the battle itself, giving her one last touch with his nose before turning towards Adonis who had risen to his feet.

"You can't beat me, you're just an animal," he taunted, spitting the blood from his mouth. "Adonis will reign supreme, you will bow before your lord and master, cur!"

The 'cur' apparently disagreed as he went in swinging, the pair grappling back and forth as Cyborg waited for an open shot. Starfire, who had spotted Robin off to the side, had gone to their fallen leader to protect him should someone try and strike while he was down. For the slash the Beast took along his neck, Adonis' suit gained a strike that nearly clove his chest piece in two from the powerful claws. But for the split lip Adonis caught in a upward swing, the Beast took a mean hit that left his nose bloodied. Watching as the battle continued at what appeared to be evenly matched contestants, the balance suddenly tipped as the Beast managed to throw Adonis to the ground with cracks spidering from the pavement beneath him.

Dazed for just a moment, it was long enough as the beast laced his claws together and smashed the fists into the villain's stomach from above his head. Twice more he repeated this as Adonis turned pale and blood began to run from his mouth. Grasping the top of the robot suit hard enough to bend the metal, he then ripped it apart much like one would remove the top from a can of sardines, growling with saliva dripping from his jaws onto the shaking, bruised villain to mingle with the blood that flowed from the many minor cuts and bruises both had suffered. Raising his claws for one final strike that surely would have killed the man, he paused as though hearing something just as Cyborg moved to intercede. He would shoot his best friend, if he had too, even if the Beast had saved their lives. Taking life when it was not necessary was never acceptable.

"Beastboy," the soft call came again, Raven's breathing uneven and harsh as she slowly raised her hands to her chest with the white magic spilling over her abused torso. "It's over…"

The Beast gave his prey a disdainful snort, and then backed off, immediately moving to Raven's side to block her from their view.

Giving a hoarse bark of a laugh, the villain raised one suited hand slowly, its fingers pealing back to reveal five darts similar to the ones from the night before. "Not yet…!" His aim went wide and hit the wall above the pair instead as Cyborg finally got that hit in, grabbing the said mechanical arm and wrenching it open to find a clear compartment filled with the golden liquid that had stared it all.

"I don't think so," he said as he punched Adonis in the face, the criminal slumping over as he pried the body from the remains of the suit. "Heh, idiot."

"Uh…what happened?" asked Robin as he finally came around, his first sight being the Beast with only the edge of Raven's cloak visible beyond it. "Wait, Raven…ah!" He gasped, holding his ribs carefully as he tried to move.

"Shh, it's fine," Starfire said from behind him, the boy wonder sitting up quickly as he realized he was lying in her lap though the movement cost him dearly. "The Beast saved her, Robin, and us. Please, stay still, you were injured when he forcefully ejected you from the fight."

"Oh…"

"I got the serum that he used the first time," said Cyborg as he ran a test on the liquid he had pried from the suit. "Plenty enough for a pure sample, too."

The Beast moved aside suddenly, walking on all fours as Raven leaned heavily against him. Giving him a slight smile, she shook her head as he gave a soft mewl. Seeming to roll his eyes, he then relaxed and before their eyes reverted to the cat he had been before. Picking him up as he immediately slumped over onto the sidewalk, no one commented on how carefully he was cradled in her arms. A wash of white appeared over him briefly, the cuts and bruises disappearing in a flash.

"Are you ok?" asked Robin as she slowly approached, her eyes half-dead with exhaustion. "And what's with him." She paused before replying, instinctively putting a hand on his side before the white glow appeared around him as well. His chest seemed to relax as breathing suddenly became easier and he was able to stand tall once more. "Thanks."

"I'm tired," she replied simply. "And I imagine he is too. I'll meet you back the tower, I need to sleep."

Disappearing in her black raven, the pair appeared in her room where she dropped her cloak on the floor and fell into the bed with the cat curled up beside her. Sleep had long since overtaken them when her teammates finally arrived.

Cyborg was still grumbling about the window in his car when the three other titans clustered outside Raven's door, understandably tense at the thought of entering the dark suite. They needed to be sure the pair was alright, especially after the events of the day, but still…

"I'll go in," offered Starfire after a few moments' hesitation. "Friend Raven will not be as upset with me for invading her privacy, and she will understand after I explain it to her."

Robin nodded, though he obviously didn't enjoy letting her take point for him. Quietly, she opened the door and slipped inside, reappearing a few moments later with a thoughtful look on her face.

"They are sleeping," she announced simply. "I shall stay with them so you will know when they awake. Is this satisfactory?"

"Yes," replied Robin with a slow nod. "You're sure they're alright?"

"Vitals are checking out fine from here," reported Cyborg as he scanned from the door way, though he couldn't see the two in the bed. "They're just tired."

"Fine. Starfire, call us when they're up. Cyborg, let's go, we need to have that antidote, and now."

Downstairs Cyborg watched the monitors as the analysis scrolled across, making mental notes as to where to start.

"Well?" asked Robin after a few minutes, impatiently tapping his foot. "It is reversible or not, Cyborg?"

"As far as I can tell, yes," he replied as he stood up from his chair, going to the confiscated golden liquid and drawing out a vial full. This was placed in another device along with a tube of Beastboy's blood he had on hand. All the titans kept supplies of their own blood on hand, in case of emergencies where normal blood types wouldn't be able to be used as transfusions for their bodies. For Raven, Beastboy, and Starfire this was especially true. "If it works, it'll be ready in no less than an hour, probably longer since it has be to thoroughly tested before I'll use it on the grass stain, so you can stop hovering over my shoulder until then."

Robin stiffened at the pointed commented, but gave a curt nod and stalked out, the door slamming his wake.

"I still don't get what Starfire likes about that anal, uptight idiot," he muttered as he set the controls, knowing it was just his irritation talking. Checking his battery after letting the machines run their course, he decided a quick recharge would be just the thing before checking up on Raven and BB.

Laying on his table, he set the charge for 30 minutes before shutting down for a quick dream about kicking bad-guy butt.

-o-

Well, my friends, this one is a little longer than last time. Only one more after this, and it shouldn't be long in coming at all! Here are the Author's Notes, the replies to all of the reviews. Enjoy!

IGAF-kun : Congratulations for the first review of the chapter, thanks for the nice comments!

Beautifulpurpleflame : Thanks for understanding, and your nice comments, I hope this was a quick enough of an update!

Sassy08 : Aw, thanks! I try to be original, it makes life more interesting.

AureliusXsoul : Aren't they cute? Thanks for the long review, it was really appreciated.

And these are quick updates, but I don't think the quality is suffering because of it. Yes, this is in the future, about 2 years after Trigon's come and gone (I think, it says in Chapter 2).

A Saphire Rose : Cool name! And thanks for the review, it was sweet!

Fallen Dragonfly : I know, right? And just wait and see what happens next! Thanks for the review!

Baronfly : Please don't die because you love the story so much x.x it would make for a very awkward funeral. Thanks for the comments, and I hope there was enough fluff to satisfy you. :)

Nonengel : Amusing the reader is always good, I'm glad to have done so. Thanks for the review!

Pimpofthetitans : Thanks for the review!

addicted2danny : Here is more, lol, and hopefully the rest will be up shortly!

WillTheWatcher : waff abounds in this plot! Oh, and what exactly are you watching, Mr. Watcher?

Haven Artemis Roth : I still love you name! Thanks for the high praise, I hope this continues to meet your high expectations.