"Please put it down."

Her polite request was not to be opposed and the changeling sighed with childlike disappointment. His dejected look didn't hold for long as he found another furry stuffed creature. Yet another irrate growl sounded from his girlfriend and Beast Boy dropped it.

"Rae, we're in the gift shop. You can't expect me to-"

"-Act your age?" She retorted, "Garfield, you're twenty two years old." Tangling her fingers in her lengthy locks, she swept her hair over her shoulder into a lavender cascade. Somehow, Beast Boy had convinced her to spend their third year anniversary in a glorified animal daycare. They'd arrived wretchedly early in order to see the feedings and early shows and they'd been there for almost ten hours now. Although Raven had agreed to acccomadate to his happiness, she was about fed up with their little day at the zoo.

"C'mon Rae, don't you think it's cute?" He cupped the tiny plush in his hands, presenting it to her like a delicate trinket. Her eyes narrowed as she mentally decapitated the furry toy, its oversized anime eyes and perky triangular ears too cute for her liking. "It's an Ili pika," he explained, waving its paw at her playfully. Pressing the fluffy animal's beady nose to her cheek, he giggled. "It likes you."

Raven shoved his hand away with a snarl. "I'm going to be sick," she pretended to gag at the innocent fuzzball.

Beast Boy laughed, placing the toy on the checkout counter. "I'm going to buy it for you," he smiled, kissing the top of her shiny waves.

"Please tell me that's not my anniversary present," she deadpanned, eyeing the despicably adorable creature.

"It has to be," Beast Boy smiled, paying the cashier and winking. "It's the last one."

Raven sighed as he took back her stuffed animal. At least the gift shop was the last stop they'd have to make before going home. Rolling her eyes, Raven followed him to the parking lot. It was gloomy outside the tarp-covered zoo, the grey rain clouds casting a serene overcast over the city. A chill traced the air and the scent of damp leaves and warm beverages was completely authentic. Raven smiled. This was her favorite weather.

The ride home was silent but not unusual. Beast Boy pulled into driveway, noting the darker clouds and higher winds. Grabbing at her wrist, he caught Raven's smile and leaned in for a quick kiss.

"I have something to talk to you about," he murmured, the two still nose to nose. The locks on the door clicked at a hint of his earnestness.

"Here..? Now?" Raven bit back an impatient exhale, the image of sitting in her favorite window seat with a book and some tea fading fast. Beast Boy nodded, insisting it was important.

He pulled the stuffed pika from his lap, feeling the underside for a small zipper. Raven couldn't help but snicker at the sight of his emerald fingers digging in the stuffing. Seconds later, his hand returned to sight, encasing a mystery. The sorceress closed her eyes, trying to sense any of his feelings. But his abilities to keep his emotions dull had grown strong, and the empath couldn't get a read.

"So, I got you that Ili pika and you thought it was your present?"

Raven blinked, a nervous anticipation forming in her throat.

"Well, I actually got you this.." Beast Boy unfolded his fingers, revealing a exquisitely pure diamond, adorned with tiny sapphires on each side. She didn't speak but the jewels glimmered wonderfully in her amethyst eyes. She didn't speak but reached for the silver ring, letting him slide it onto her finger.

"Wait, that's not all…." the changeling added. "I.. I wanted to ask you some-"

Raven interrupted with a sweet, chaste kiss. Drawing back, Raven tucked a loose forest green hair behind his ear. "Yes," she whispered, gazing into the wonderful emerald eyes she'd be waking up to for the rest of her life.

"I didn't even get down on my knee and ask it yet." Beast Boy didn't know why he was bothering to argue with her; the grin on his face betraying his playful counter.

"That doesn't matter," Raven muttered, amethyst eyes almost damp as her fingers traced the curve of his cheek. "When it comes to us, there is no question."