Weekly Report...
We're settling in nicely with the Titans and I am seeing more positive movement with Fiilkin. He's slowly getting used to the idea of working on a team instead of just himself.
Yet, I am worried. He still has some issues with his temper, yet, with my help as well as Raven's help, he is beginning to get a better handle on that aspect of his personality. We've had several missions where there were times I felt his anger being kindled, yet, he is getting better at controlling his anger, instead of it controlling him. Our meditation sessions are a big help.
However, we may have a problem. Not with him, but, another member of the team who returned last week. I am not certain if I should mention this, but, I think as a matter of course, I should, given the Honorable Grand Earth's warning. The newest team member, a girl we call Terra, is hiding a dark plan from the team. Raven and I both sensed her intentions. The rest of the team doesn't know this. My concern is that she might be that agent of Darkness without realizing it. I pray that she is nothing more than an innocent pawn. I am cultivating a friendship regardless in the hope that my example will sway her back into the light.
That said, I have a request to make: Raven is affected greatly by the coldness of my teleportation. That may pose a problem later on if we have to undertake missions requiring that method. Then again, she has her own method of teleportation and has been through the Tear of Oblivion a few times when we were training in other places. Would there be anyway to mitigate this sensation or eliminate it totally?
It was a short report this time around but, it couldn't be helped. There really wasn't much to relay.
Edward was also interested in meeting Maldriin. It would be the first time seeing her since Sosfil was relieved of duty, and, Maldriin was due any minute to be knocking at the door.
Meanwhile, outside the tower, a woman slowly walked over to the door. She was about 5'7", wearing a blue business dress and heels. If anyone looked at her, the first thing they'd notice was her vibrant green hair and eyes, which seemed unnaturally radiant even in the dark. She currently was holding a cell phone, talking a bit louder than she normally would.
"Yes, Mother, I found the place no problem. It's a giant T, how could I miss it?" she said, sighing a bit in exasperation. "Yes, I'm in human form. Yes, I have natur-" She paused, looking over at her green hair, before changing it to a brown color. "I have natural hair now, stop laughing at me. I'm already nervous enough as it is."
"Maldriin, you need to relax. Kiinnum is not nearly as uptight as you think he is", Grand Life's voice said from the other end of the line, a mirthful tone as she couldn't help but laugh a bit. "If anything, a dragoness giving him the time of day without being scared should be quite refreshing to him. Just calm down and take a deep breath."
"Yes, Mother", Maldriin said. "... thanks. I guess it's just new job jitters."
"You'll do great. Oh, and Mally?"
"Yes?"
"... even if you never tell him, I'm still so proud of you... for not being scared of what he is. Sweetheart, if at some point he wants to claim you as his mate...you will have my blessing as your mother and as Grand Life."
The woman blushed, before grumbling a bit. "Goodbye, Mother", she said, hanging up her phone. "For First's sake... it's not like he'd ever give a dragoness like me the time of day if I didn't have to work with him..." She cleared her throat, before ringing the doorbell. A moment passed, before a voice picked up on the intercom.
"You the pizza dude?" Beast Boy asked. "You're pretty fast, if you are."
"Um... no, my name is Mally", she responded, quirking an eyebrow. "I'm here to talk to Mr. Barnes? He has a report for me that I need to take back."
"Oh, you're the new gal? Hold up, I'll let him know you're here! Come on in and wait at the door!" There was a click, and suddenly the door opened up before her, revealing a waiting room with several chairs lining the hall.
"Well then... this is... homy", she said, looking at the metallic walls. "This place could use some green, in my opinion..."
The elevator Dinged and Edward walked out. Seeing Mally there he walked over, folder in hand and said, "Hello, Maldriin. I'm Edward Barnes. I understand you're my new contact with the Circle?"
"I am," she said, trying to hide her nervousness, "How are you, sir?"
He smiled warmly, "I'm fine. Please relax. I am not going to bite your head off."
"Well, I know why I am collecting these reports now," she said, "You pretty much ripped your sister to shreds verbally."
"Don't let that upset you, Maldriin," Edward said, "Sosfil broke the law and was punished for it accordingly. I would rather you see me as someone you could call a friend in the near future. Come on, let me take you up to Ops and introduce you to the guys. They are wanting to meet you."
The doorbell rang again and Edward said, "Hold that thought. I got some pizza for the guys, some extra meaty." He opened the door and sure enough, there was a Pizza King delivery guy there. Edward traded the guy by handing over $100 and told the kid to keep the change as a tip. He collected the 6 pies and after thanking the kid headed for the Elevator, Mally in tow.
"Those smell wonderful!" she said.
"It's a good outfit," Edward admitted. He pushed the button and the door opened. They got in and Edward hit the button to take them to the main part of the building.
Once there, they saw the entire team waiting for them. Cyborg was playing video games with Beast Boy, with Terra cheering on the green changeling. Robin and Starfire were sitting at the table, discussing something about human culture, and Raven was at her spot on the couch, reading her book. Solor, meanwhile, saw them first, and walked over, taking the pizzas out of Edward's hands. "I'll get this to the counter", he said. "Nice to meet you, Miss...?"
"Just call me Mally", she said with a smile. "It's nice to finally meet you, Jason."
Solor blinked, before shrugging with a grunt, walking back to the counter with food in hand. Robin spotted her next, and soon the rest of the team walked over.
"I'm guessing you're the representative from Jason and Edward's home?" he asked. "It's nice to meet you. I'm Robin, this is Starfire, Cyborg, Terra, Raven, and Beast Boy."
As soon as she laid eyes on the changeling, Mally suddenly moved, placing her hands on his cheeks as her eyes widened in awe. "Wow! You really ARE green!" She looked at the roots of his hair, his ears, his fang. "Edward wrote down all of you in detail in his report, but I never thought I'd actually meet a green hero! That's amazing!" Once she let go and backed up, she realized what she did, and folded her hands together, blushing a bit. "Sorry... I just... really like the color green. It's my favorite."
Beast Boy stared, before turning to Raven with a smirk. "See, Rae? Chicks dig the green."
"It's Raven, not Rae. And there's always the exception", the empath shot back, causing him to glare.
Robin couldn't help but chuckle a bit. "It's alright. After what we've heard of the last rep, this is way tamer than what we expected. I don't think we got your name."
"Right... my name is Mally", Maldriin said with a smile. "I'm the youngest daughter of the leader of the Life Clan of our people, and starting today, I'll be coming by every now and then to receive Edward's report on Jason. So, I guess we'll be working together from now on."
Edward chuckled watching Mally's interest in Beast Boy and wondered when she's have a similar reaction to Cyborg.
"I look forward to working with you, Mally," Edward said, "And, I have a feeling that you'll fit in pretty well here in terms of making friends. Like I said, you have little reason to fear me. It's rare that someone from home wants to work with me without that blasted prejudice getting in the way. Seeing your reaction to Beast Boy, there's not a bone in your body that is prejudicial. That's a MAJOR plus in my book."
Raven, however, raised an eyebrow as she sensed that Mally was really interested in Edward and made a mental note to mention that to Edward later on.
By then, Solor had set the boxes of pizza up and the plates. "Are you staying for lunch, Mally?" he asked.
"As long as it's OK with you guys?" she responded.
"It's fine," Robin said smiling, "Edward told us you would be here about this time, so, he got a couple extra pizzas."
That question settled, everyone was permitted to grab what they wanted. Beast Boy, of course, went for the vegetarian pie, Robin got a couple slices of the super supreme, as did Starfire (who, of course, added mustard to hers), Raven levitated some pepperoni slices (which got a very wide-eyed response out of Mally), and the rest of the team got the meat feast slices with extra meaty goodness.
There was also plenty of soft drinks and tea to go around for everyone. As the meal progressed, Mally got to know the team, and as she was sitting beside Edward, she peppered him with many questions.
Solor couldn't help but watch Mally's reactions. The longer she stayed, the more he was convinced she had quite the huge crush on the older dragon. He munched on his meat-lover's slice, letting out a mental sigh. Must be nice to have a dragoness like you, he thought. He never told Edward, but he didn't have that much luck back home, either. No one in their clan was interested in him at this moment. It could have been because, technically, he wasn't an adult yet, but he was mostly left alone, even by dragons his own age.
Beast Boy was shocked when Mally got herself a vegetarian slice when she went for second helpings. "You eat vegetarian? I thought you'd be like Solor and just avoid that one."
"I don't eat it exclusively, but I actually like tofu and other substitutes", Mally stated, giving the changeling a smile. "Sometimes I go for a month without eating any meat, just to see how far I can go without it. Unfortunately, my plan to go for a month usually only lasts about a week or two. Tofu just doesn't provide the same flavor as bacon."
Solor couldn't help but chuckle a bit. "Well, you are a far stronger-willed person than I am... I couldn't survive a day without bacon."
"You should see the bacon burgers I end up fixing for the guys, Mally...or the tofu burgers for Beast Boy," Edward said, "Solor loves many pieces of bacon or pork belly on his. As in nearly a pound of crispy bacon. Then again, I like mine pretty much the same way. But, Cyborg...He puts us all to shame."
Cyborg had the sense to blush a bit at that line, but, it was true, for the most part. Had the rest of the team know what Edward, Jason and Mally really are and that in their native states, they can eat a lot more, even he would be surprised.
Starfire asked her usual questions: "WhereDidYouComeFrom HowDidYouGetHere What'sYourFavoriteColor AndDoYouWishToBeMyFriend?"
Mally blinked at the surprise question, plus how close the alien got to her, but she did her best to respond. "Um... Earth, walked, green, and Sure."
"Hello, new friend!" Starfire exclaimed, grabbing Mally into a big hug. The dragoness wasn't expecting it, but she handled the tight grip much better than Terra did during their first meeting.
"Nice to meet you, too", she said, giving a warm smile.
Solor finally noticed something, and looked over at Raven for a moment, before back at Mally. "So... not to bring up anything weird here, but... you look a lot like an older version of Raven."
The team looked over to Raven, then back at Mally, and it clicked.
"Holy cow, she does!" Terra said. "Are you her long lost sister?"
"Preeeetty sure she isn't", Raven said in a monotone. "I'm an only child."
[That and the fact that Mally is full dragon and Raven is, possibly, only a quarter], Solor thought to his brother.
[Do you think she picked her form before knowing who the Titans were?] Unity asked, looking over at his younger brother.
[It's very likely], Solor stated. [I kinda let that slip without thinking. Hope she doesn't mind.]
"I definitely know I'm not", Mally said with a minor sweatdrop. "And I think our appearance is merely coincidental. Plus, I might have made my hair a bit too short... I usually have it longer. I'm certain that Edward here mentioned he has some shapeshifting powers?"
"He did. Are you saying you can do that, too?" Cyborg asked.
"Mine are probably a bit more prominent, since I'm from the Life clan, but yes", Mally confirmed. "All of our clan have these powers, and are taught how to master them at a young age. And I tend to change my hair and eye color a lot. I was originally going to walk in with my hair looking like grass before I was reminded I should try to look as normal as possible."
Edward laughed and said, "What? Like this?" As Mally and the Titans watched, he changed his hair to a bright green color. That got everyone laughing before he reverted it back to his normal color.
"I can do pretty much any animal, living or extinct as well," he explained to Mally, "I am trying to recall who taught me how to shapeshift...not having much luck there."
"It might have been my grandmother", Mally said, tapping her chin. "Mom wasn't the Grand yet when you were born. And I can one up you", she said with a smirk. "I can turn into a multitude of fantasy animals, can mix animal forms into what I call 'chimera' forms, and can even shift so I have multiple heads at once and can transform back without any problems... though I do admit, that one time were I got stuck with two sets of eyes was interesting..."
"I refuse to go to a three headed setup, but, give me time, and I can likely do those fantasy creatures like dragons, gryphons, etc," Edward said with a smirk.
In response, Mally held up her hands, and before their eyes, she easily shifted so she had two more heads where her hands should be. The rest of the team stared in awe as she looked around with all three sets of eyes. "I don't blame you for not trying", the head next to Edward said, looking at him with a smile. "It does take some getting used to, and the sensory overload can be quite jarring at first."
"By the way, Beast Boy, you have some sauce on your shirt", the head closest to the changeling said, looking at him and pointing with her eyes.
"Aren't you afraid of getting stuck like that?" Solor asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I've been stuck like this before", Mally responded, shifting back to normal. "If you try to transform into something you're not used to, sometimes your body needs time to recover and gather energy to shift back. Does make puppet shows rather interesting, though."
"My concern," Edward countered, "Is what if one head refuses to morph back into the main body? That's why I won't do a three headed dragon like in the Godzilla films."
"Well, that shouldn't be too much of a problem", Mally pointed out. "You may be growing a head with an extra brain and whatnot, but it still has the same memories and personality as you do. The only reason it wouldn't go back would be if you genuinely thought there was an advantage to having two heads. But it doesn't just magically sprout a new personality; it would take years of being in that form nonstop in order to do that, and no one in the Life clan has used forms like that for more than an hour at a time."
"Interesting," Edward said, "three heads spouting my three breath weapons. Fry, roast or freeze, pick your poison. What about which head controls the body?"
"They all do", Mally said. "It's hard to explain... it's like, my brains are all connected, and the thoughts and sights and sounds they all take in all go to the same place. It's like... seeing an entire sculpture all at the same time but only is put into one coherent thought. Whatever one head thinks, the other two think at the same time." She looked at the rest of the team, who were all staring at them, especially Beast Boy. "I've... been nerding out over shifting, haven't I?"
"Yeah, but... that's actually really cool", Beast Boy said. "I could never try to grow an extra head or anything, but that sounds like you've been practicing for a while."
"Since I learned how to do it", Mally said, blushing a bit. "I like being able to shift whenever I want, because it gives me different perspectives. It helps me see things from a point of view other than a human. I can make my own comparisons to other things, no matter what form I take, but it helps me understand what it's like in the natural world."
"I see," Edward said, his own perspective changing at the words Mally spoke. Maybe, in some missions, it might work to their advantage if Edward did go to a multiple head configuration, "You may have to teach me that trick at some point. It might come in handy in some of our missions to have three heads that can swivel around to protect the team. I don't tend to tire out as easily even with new forms."
He gave it some thought and said, "I assume that you can do a 'naga'?"
She nodded. "Of course. I've tried multiple forms with animals... including lycanthrope, naga, satyr, centaur... why do you ask?"
"I was curious," Edward said and his form shimmered in place. Wings spouted from his back as his legs morphed into a long serpent's tail.
The team was surprised, to say the least, as Edward had not used such a form. It was usually "all or nothing".
Mally's jaw dropped as she realized that Edward was showing off a little bit. He returned to his human form a moment later, chuckling at her reaction.
He's actually flirting a bit! Solor realized, This is new. I guess seeing how she lacks the prejudice from others is getting him to loosen up. Maybe I should encourage this at some point?
It was at this point a ringtone chimed through the room, and Mally jumped, blushing once more. "Sorry! Sorry, that's me!" She picked up the phone, seeing who it was. "Hello! It's me!"
"Having fun?" came Grand Life's voice. "You're a little late on returning with that report..."
"Oh, crud, I forgot to call", Mally said, finishing up her slices of pizza. "I'm so sorry, Mother, I'll be back home soon."
"If you would, please... and then you can tell me what you think of him when you get back here."
That got a blush from the dragoness. "Mother!" However, the older dragon hung up on her, and she grumbled. "I swear to the First... I'm really sorry, guys, I gotta go. My mom expected me back a while ago, and I completely forgot to tell her I was staying for lunch."
"It's fine", Raven said, with a gentle smile. "You're always welcome back, so we'll be more than happy to see you again."
Terra nodded, grinning. "And maybe you can show us what else you can shift into."
"I'd like some pointers on shifting in the future", Beast Boy added.
Edward said, "Please, give your mom my best as well. It's been a pleasure having you visit. I'll open a Tear for you."
"Thanks! I'll let her know," Mally said. She then surprised Edward by asking if he had a number where he could be reached. He gave her his personal number and she put that into her phone, then, gave him her number, just in case.
Edward opened a Tear and said, "This will put you outside the Circle's volcano. Take care, Mally!"
She replied, "You, too!" She stepped through and the portal collapsed.
"That was pretty flipping cool," Edward said with a smile, "Thanks, guys, for allowing her to visit."
"It's no problem", Robin said. "It's nice to learn a bit more about your home, even if you can't exactly share everything."
Solor couldn't help but put on a sly grin. "So... anyone else notice how into Edward she seemed to be?"
Cyborg put on a big grin as well. "Yeah, and by the looks of it, our boy here likes her, too."
"You gonna ask her out next time?" Beast Boy teased, waggling his eyebrows a bit.
"Don't rush me, elf," Edward said, "This is supposed to be business. But, you never know."
"Oh come on", Beast Boy said with a grin. "You like her, she likes you, what's the problem?"
"The problem, Beast Boy, is that if the Circle finds out that Maldriin is visiting mostly just to be close to Unity, then she could be replaced, and we'll be stuck with another rep that we'll have to get used to", Solor pointed out. "Though... assuming that Grand Life knew this would happen, it might be a moot point."
"It's likely," Edward admitted, "Grand Life is pretty crafty. She would know how difficult it's been for me and if Mally does have more than a passing interest, she could be playing matchmaker. She was pretty quick to suggest her. I'm not going to complain if that's the case.
"But, it will be a few more visits before I ask her out, Beast Boy. I need to be certain."
"She does have some feelings towards you, Edward," Raven noted, "Her emotional vibes were pretty strong."
Beast Boy formed a beagle for a minute before changing back, "Just as I thought...the air is full of pheromones, mostly hers with some of Edward's. But, I have never smelled those before. Probably due to you not being truly human."
[He's right,] Solor said telepathically, [She was not even trying to mask it, and, neither were you. There's a connection. I won't stop you should anything develop. I would probably support it.]
Edward nodded, making it appear that he was agreeing with Beast Boy, "We'll play it by ear, but, it's not like I have really dated before."
"And considering our customs, that makes sense", Solor stated aloud. "Usually, our people are not allowed to date. There are the uncommon exceptions, but usually a couple is formed the night they decide to make their vows to each other. And even then, the Circle has to bless the couple." He sighed. "Lucky you. Looks like you finally caught someone's eye."
Edward snorted, "What's wrong with a period of courtship? I just don't get some of our customs. I can see the Circle wanting to bless the couple, but, I think that if something does develop between her and I, I might want that courtship/dating period to know if she's right for me...YEOW-WICH!"
Solor had kicked Edward's shin.
"She obviously feels that you are the right one for her, Brother," he said, "You obviously did something that got her attention and she might be the only one in Lair who is going to give you more then the 'time of day'. How many times have you griped about the females all giving you a 'Go Away, you half-breed' look and here comes the daughter of Grand Life and she is certainly interested."
"Unity," Raven said with an actual soft smile, "If what I sensed in her is true, can you truly deny yourself at least the chance of love?"
"Oh, yes!" Starfire said, "You simply must do the pursuing of the heart's desires!"
Robin said, "I would not object to you seeing her, either."
"Dawg," Cyborg said, "you blow this chance, and, I will KICK YOUR BUTT!"
Terra stepped over to him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "After everything I've learned about you, do you really want to let this opportunity slip by? Here's the first of your people who's not afraid of your power. I dunno about you... but I'd at least give the first guy who wasn't scared of me a chance."
Little did she know that Beast Boy was looking at her from behind, blinking. Solor noticed this exchange, and couldn't help but frown. Please tell me they haven't fallen for each other, too...
Edward, since her hand was still in contact with him, got an excellent read on her emotional state. She was attracted to Beast Boy for the exact same reasons she stated. He also recalled when the team told him about the incident in the mine when Beast Boy showed his sweet, caring side to get her to calm down. Beast Boy's emotional vibes were the easiest to feel in the tower and he really did care for Terra. Edward sighed, worried what her eventual betrayal would do to him. He determined to head that off if at all possible. His emotions were so easy to read at times, it was like a blinding light.
What do I do about Terra's eventual betrayal of the team to Slade? I don't want to threaten her life to prevent it as she would likely bolt and accelerate her plans.
"Terra," he said, "Thanks for the vote of confidence. Something that I want all of you to know: I consider you to be friends ... almost family, so I trust your opinions. I tend to keep my friends pretty darn close and will always have your backs, no matter what happens." He said that to hopefully plant a seed within the blond geomancer that he would not abandon her to Slade or anyone else.
Solor, meanwhile, stood up. He might not have had the same empathic powers, but the sappiness in this room was simply too much. "I'm... gonna head to my room", he said softly, heading out. Raven watched him head out, and the urge to follow after him suddenly hit her hard.
Go after him! Go after him right now! demanded her emoticlones.
Shut up, you'll make my powers act up again! she retorted. What is with you all, lately?
Why are you arguing with us when he's getting away?! her emotions yelled back, not giving her a coherent explanation.
Raven sighed and excused herself and headed toward's Solor's room...and hoping that the temperamental dragon wouldn't kick her out. He wasn't reacting well to the emotions flooding the room ... and he isn't empathic.
She knocked softly and Solor called out, "Come in, Raven...I know that knock anywhere."
She opened the door, seeing him sitting on his bed. "You okay? You kinda left suddenly."
"I'm... well, I could be better." The dragon sighed. "I admit, I am happy for my brother and Terra and Beast Boy... but at the same time... I am unhappy."
"That's easy to tell", Raven said. "If I hadn't already been used to Robin and Starfire, I would have been overwhelmed by all the sap they're oozing with. But you really let it hit you. Wanna share why?"
Solor glanced at her, before turning his head away. "I'd rather not, if you don't mind."
Normally, this would be the point where Raven would just drop it and tell him that she'll be there if he needed her. However, this time, with her emotions acting up, she couldn't let it go. "I promise I won't tell anyone if you do. I'm supposed to be helping you with your emotions, remember?"
He glanced at the empath. Why did she want to help him so badly? He was going to refuse again, but after thinking about it, he thought, what was the harm? He wouldn't embarrass himself by talking to Edward later, and he could get this off his chest. "I... I'm jealous." He looked at her expression, seeing her raise one eyebrow, and he couldn't help but chuckle. "I know how it sounds. 'Really? Jason's jealous of Edward and Terra? Never expected that from the most selfish member of the team'."
"I wouldn't say that", Raven commented, but motioned for him to continue.
"Well, I can't help but be jealous. My brother is finally finding a dragon that likes him, and I'm incredibly happy for him... but I am in a similar boat. Thanks to my decisions in the past, I have no dragonesses looking my way. I have no one to call my own, and I am almost of age to claim a mate, as well. But none of my clan actually likes me; they only tolerate me because I have a chance to be the next Grand Light. And we all saw how that turned out."
"Jason," Raven said softly, "You are on the right track with your mission of personal redemption. It will take something that, if I am right, you and Edward have a lot of and that is time. You will make the right decisions to correct the mistakes of the past."
"You're sure of that?" he asked. "I've been... well, a much bigger asshole than you know of. All because I was chosen to be an Heir Potential. All because... because I lost my twin to humans." At this, he felt the tears forming again. "I want to find someone that can take me for me... not because of my strength... and not because they're afraid of me." He let out a slow, shaky breath as he tried to calm himself. "Dragons have time, Raven... but I'm not immortal like Edward. Unless I become the Heir, I don't have the same chance."
Raven could feel her heart break a tiny bit as she saw Solor's tears, and she took a bold chance, grabbing his hand. "You'll find someone, Starborn... you just need to be patient. And get yourself in a good place, first."
"Patience is not my strong suit, Raven," he said, overlooking for now that she knew his true name, "I'm sure that you noticed that by now. Edward's been working with me on that, but, I am not used to 'Hurry up and wait'. I'm more of the 'Hurry Up!' type." His hand actually tightened a little bit, welcoming the the friendship that Raven was willing to show him. She was a lot like him. Didn't like much contact, stayed to herself most of the time, only emerging to get some herbal tea or meals or missions. But, she wasn't a total recluse as there were times when she loved watching movies, especially the horror films like "Nightmare on Elm Street" or "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" and others that normally caused Edward to excuse himself. He was not a fan of bloody and gory films. He'd seen enough in his long life for real that he had no desire to watch actors being slaughtered by a psychopath in a hockey mask. Edward knew that if there was a real Jason Vorheese, he would die at Edward's talons.
Jason wiped his eyes, "I'm sorry...We're only supposed to show our emotions with family."
Raven levitated the tissues over and said, "Then, I guess I am family?"
He took the box, pulling a tissue out. He glanced over at her, before blowing his nose a bit. "Maybe... I suppose we'll have to wait and see." After crumpling up the tissue, he reached for his gems. "Thanks for listening to me rant a bit, Raven... I appreciate the concern. I'll be alright."
"Well, I'm more than happy to leave... but maybe you should let go of my hand first?"
A panicked look, and the dragon realized, indeed, he was still holding onto her hand. He let go quickly, muttering an apology as he actually turned quite red. Raven could feel her own cheeks burning, and raised her hood with her powers. "So... I guess I'll see you at dinner?" Jason asked.
"Probably", she replied. "See you later... Starborn."
Hearing her voice say his real name had an adverse effect. His heart began beating faster, and he prayed to the First that both Edward and Raven wouldn't pick up on his emotions. After the door closed, he threw himself down on the bed, covering his face with his pillow.
This... is not good...