Always been you
Chapter 5: Kiss me
It was only to herself that Raven admitted still wanting to be with Robin. It was only the night of the movie-marathon lock-in that she herself had realized it. But now that she realized it, it was becoming more of a drag than anything. Every time she'd see Robin, her mood would considerably somber. And every time she was near to Star, Star would constantly talk of 'her Timmy'. So Raven started to avoid both of them.
That was always a huge chore in itself. Having somehow been suckered back into the roll of event planner, her old followers started coming back to join. They wanted to be a part of the magic and history Raven was creating. And Robin wanted to be there as well, as her co-planner. Which also brought the enthusiastic Star with them everywhere as well.
It was sort of a slap in the face seeing them together all the time. And although Robin didn't look as happy as he always claimed he was, according to sources, he never pushed her away.
Raven didn't pretend to understand him. She didn't care to. What kind of guy claimed two girls? It just wasn't right. So even if Raven wanted to move on with someone else, it was impossible. Robin had put the fear of God into every living male known around this school. That wasn't only depressing, it was down right infuriating.
At this moment, the committee was sitting around in one of the planning offices going over last minute details on the Valentine's Day carnival. Raven listened to everyone talk for some time. She had no heart to do this anymore. Valentine's Day had always been her favorite. Even while she was away in Europe, Valentine's Day was the one exception where she was completely happy, knowing someone was home loving her and missing her.
But that didn't seem to be the case anymore. She had learned it was on Valentine's Day that the one, whom she was counting on to be home loving and missing her, was wooing another. This made her mood even more depressed.
Raven watched all the happy, smiling faces. Even an annoyed Jen was smiling and enjoying herself as she talked with their friends. The room was crowded with a little over twenty-five students, Robin and Star among them.
Though Robin sat in the front of the room close to Raven, Star was still not far away. Robin was sitting silent staring at the ceiling with arms crossed on his chest. Star was sitting at the first table accompanied by Tara and Dawn, her usual crew. She was chatting happily glancing to Robin every now and again. Raven had an idea what she was discussing; their plans for Valentines Day.
The thought made her cringe. To take her mind off it, she decided to call the meeting to attention. All she had to do was sit up.
All talk ceased. All eyes fell on the dark young woman sitting on the top of the desk. Still with all the attention, she thought darkly.
"Three days. Starting tomorrow night is set up, Friday -all day, is set up. Friday night, any last minute details. Saturday 12-6 is the carnival. And immediately after is breakdown. All who set up will break down. Do I make myself clear?"
There were nods.
"Are there any questions?"
Star raised her hand.
Raven silently glared. "Yes, Kori?"
"Do we have a goal in which we would like to reach?" She asked in a sweet voice.
"$3000.00"
There were some looks between each other that her crowd gave. "Would you like a lesser goal?" She asked board.
There were murmurs and shaking heads.
"Ok. Then what's the issue?"
There was a silence that swept through them. Most had wide eyes. It was obvious Raven was in a testy mood. Robin glanced at her for a moment with a raised brow as well.
Raven ignored it. She gave a deep breath and got to her feet. "Everyone is to meet in the gymnasium directly after school. Any prior engagements should have already been discussed with me. Therefore, everyone better be there. Those who are not, your ass is mine. Do I make myself clear?"
Everyone, everyone, nodded in unison.
"Good. Meeting dismissed."
For a moment no one dared to move. Then the scuff of chairs on the linoleum floor sounded all at once. Without too much talk, everyone left the room. There were only a few stragglers, but they were waiting for Raven. Jen and Kendra.
And robin hadn't moved either. Generally these meetings went the same. They discussed the issues, made some decisions, talked in general and then they dispersed. Star would come up to the front and try to chum up to Raven, that's the way she thought of it, then she'd go kiss Robin and drag him out of the room. But today, Star just left with her friends and Robin stayed behind.
Raven realized it was probably for a reason. She sighed and glanced at him.
He was already watching her. "Are you ok, Raven?" He asked with what seemed to be genuine concern in his voice.
"What could possibly be wrong?" She drawled.
He was careful to respond. She was obviously in a bad mood. "I don't know. You haven't talked to me all week. Actually I haven't seen you except for these meetings, where at the end you run out before anyone has a chance to say anything. So... what's wrong?"
Raven glared at him. "I'm fine. Just a little stressed."
"Anything I can help with?" Robin offered.
"No." She said simply as she started to gather her belongings.
Robin sighed. "Is it something I did?"
Raven gave him a terse look. "Guilty conscience?"
Robin shook his head. He knew he wasn't going to get anywhere with her. At least not today. "No. But you've been like this since the lock-in. So I though maybe you were upset with me for something."
Raven flung her bag over her shoulder and turned to face him. She gave him a simple look. "Tim, you're too blind to understand a thing. So thanks but not thanks. I'll talk to someone else." And she turned with a flip of her hair and headed out the door.
For a moment Jen and Kendra followed in a jog to keep up with her before backing off to give her some space. It had only been a few moments that she had walked out the door before a very excited Gar ran up to her.
"Raven, Raven. I've got some great news for you. But first, are you open to the possibility of a blind date?"
Raven watched him after taking a step back from the surprise at his enthusiasm. "Uh... I guess."
Gar's grin widened more. "Awesome. There's this new kid, Slade. He was eating lunch with Roy and I yesterday when he saw you walk by. He watched and asked about you. Roy went into the whole, 'she's off limits thing because of Tim and all.' He asked if Tim was your boyfriend so Roy started to explain the situation and pointed him out when he walked in with Star. Anyways, he said he didn't care what Tim said and that you weren't his property to decide one way or another. I had been staring off into space until the idea hit me. I told you I'd find you someone, what do you think?"
He talked so fast and with such a rush of excitement Raven had to reprocess the information a moment longer before answering him.
"Ah... well... I don't know." Raven simmered.
"How about a double date? I'll go with you." He offered.
In the end Raven agreed. But only under one circumstance; that Jen would agree to go as Gar's date. He shrugged and agreed as well, saying as long as she went, he'd go with whomever she wanted.
So it was set. Friday night, the night before the carnival, the four of them would have dinner and a movie, the typical first date.
x-x-x-x-x
Thursday came and went without a hitch. They had all gathered in the gym awaiting Raven's arrival. None were later than five of their scheduled time to be there. No one dared cross Raven.
She walked in with Robin in tow behind her. Raven held her normal notepad -she always had one when planning events or setting up- and Robin looked more down than normal despite the cheery red-head he had on his arm.
Raven didn't look at them once. She stood and demanded immediate attention. "Stations and staff is as follows: maze is set up on the far end, Roy, Garth, Vic, Libby and Donna. Bobbing for candy apples, Karen B, Wally and Baron. Unwrapped chocolate, Mikron, Arella and Rose. The sled ride, Raymond, John, Hal and Kendra. Heart puzzle, Oliver and Bette. The store, Richard and Mariam. Info booth, Connor and Tula. Dress up pictures, Kori, Tara and Leonid. Love hurts pie throwing, Dawn and Jade. Heart breaker balloons, Anita and Author. Door prize is Bill. Word match, Barry and Cissie. Kissing test, Koma, Matthew and Rita. Catch cupid, Cliff, Jillian and Dinah. Fortune teller and palm reader, Lilith, Grace and Anissa. Baking contest, Kara, Linda and Cassandra. Kissing booth will be ran by and monitored by Diana and Jason. Subs to cover are Rex and Jenny H. Dunk tank ran by Bruce, Ralph and Clark. Jen and Gar are floaters, Tim and I will be around assisting where need be. Any questions?"
No one said anything. Raven was still in a mood by the looks of it. No playing or messing around.
In the back, one raised their hand... who should it be?
Raven sighed. "Yes Kori?"
"I am curious to know which teachers have agreed to participate in the tank of dunking as well as the hurts of love, throwing pies?"
"Mr. Mod, Mr. Light and Madam Rouge agreed to the dunk tank. Brother blood and Miss Mothur agreed to the pie throwing. Anything else?" Raven rattled off.
No one said anything. "Then lets get to work."
And they dispersed. Gar again put on music, but this occasion was quite a bit more downcast than that of breakfast with Santa's set up. They all knew why, but no one said a word. No one had the nerve.
Raven walked around. The maze was big enough to take up quite a bit of the gym. It consisted of those giant cubical panels set up in a maze. It wouldn't take long to set up.
Right out side the start to that was the dress up booths. The drama club had let the planning committee borrow all their costumes. There would be numerous different backgrounds, which the art center had designed, to pull down. There was a little cube in which to change as well.
The booth right outside there was a game called chocolate unwrapped. The object was simple enough; unwrap the chocolate with a partner, each using one hand. It was a contest, the couple to do it the fastest won a chip (poker chips Gar's father had donated from the casino he worked for) for the candy store.
The next station was bobbing for candy apples. Self explanatory.
A short distance a way was the outside door leading to the school's track. The sleigh ride would take place out here. There was a big sleigh donated to borrow pulled by two Clydesdale horses. Inside the sleigh would be covered with giant pillows and blankets to make the ride comfortable and 'romantic.' Garth had come through for that one. The sleigh is his uncles and the horses his grandparents. It took a little hard work to make the sleigh presentable, but in the end it turned out amazing.
Right inside the door were two mini tents set up. One for the fortune teller and the other for the palm reader.
In the corner was the dunk tank.
Middle of that wall was the huge puzzle. IA let the art department paint a Valentines Day sculpture on a huge piece of MDF board and then the IA department used a jigsaw and made a puzzle out of it. The puzzle pieces were approximately half foot by half foot, the puzzle being six foot by six foot. The challenger was allowed three minutes to complete. According to how many they had correctly in place, depended on the amount of chips they won.
The remaining wall was lined with three tables all set up for the baking contest. Each customer received a plate and a paper. Each entry had a number. The customers were instructed to rate the dish on a scale of one to five.
Straight ahead was the kissing booth.
To the side of that was the kissing test, which was a version of pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey. There was a large picture painted, again by the art department, and then laminated. It was broken into sections. The customer was blindfolded, spun three times and then pointed in the direction of the chart. Where ever the laminated lips they had in their hand landed was their score which determined the amount of chips they received.
Right next to that was heart breaker. It was a board filled with heart shaped balloons. The customer got three darts and received chips for the amount they popped.
In the middle of the floor were the last two stations. One was catch cupid. a game where there was a wet bar of soap in a basin and the customer had to put on a plastic glove and had ten seconds to grab it (with one hand) without it falling. It had to be in their hand for at least four of the ten seconds.
The last was the word match. It was a magnetic easel with a scrambled word of magnetic child's letters that stuck to the fridge. The group had went out and bought around seven packs. They had one minute to decode.
Outside the door in the lobby were the info booth to the left and the candy store to the right. Across the hall was lined with the silent auction, which consisted of romantic getaways donated by various places.
At ten the group departed and went home. Since it was a school night, they were not permitted to stay any later. They had accomplished three quarters of the set up so there wouldn't be a whole lot left for tomorrow night.
The next day was Friday, a half day before February vacation started. So right after classes, the group of 55 students gathered once more in the gym.
"We have very little left to do, and then you can be on your way. We'll meet back here at ten tomorrow morning. Understand?"
Again the somber nods. Raven waved them to work without a word and turned.
Shortly after, Tim caught up to her. "Listen, I cant be for sure the reason you're so... stoic... lately, but you have to lighten up. We're going to lose this group after this event if you don't. We only ever had such a great turn out because you made it so fun. We still have more events after this, so come on. Lighten up."
Raven quickened her pace to discourage his following. It didn't work.
"Raven, stop. Talk to me."
"I have nothing to say to you, Tim."
"Obviously this whole mood is towards me. So tell me what I did so I can make it right." He begged finally matching her pace.
Raven stopped abruptly and glared at him hard. Across the room she could hear Star's cheery voice. She looked directly at her for a long moment until she felt Robin follow her gaze before looking back at him. Slowly his eyes found hers again. She could barely see understanding there before she turned away from him again and started back to her planned destination.
Robin stood there a moment longer watching her retreat. It was only vaguely that he got what she meant. It was something to do with Star. Did she not like star? At that thought Robin momentarily got annoyed. How could someone not like star? She was about the most likeable person he had ever met.
Of course he knew that was not what she meant. But he didn't want to admit he might understand what she did imply. If she wanted to be with him, she should tell him. It shouldn't be a guessing game.
A moment later Gar was upon Raven in the same ecstatic mood he had been in on their previous discussion. "Raven!"
Raven turned to look at him with her bright purple eyes. "Yes, Gar?"
"Slade will be here within the next two hours. If we're not ready by then, he said he'd love to help out. If it's ok with you, that is."
Raven had almost forgotten about the date she had agreed to tonight. It had been a while since she had permitted herself to think about it. Actually, more to the truth, she had other things on her mind.
"Yea that's fine." Then she remembered she had to convince Jen to go too.
"Great." Gar said with enthusiasm and left her side.
Only a moment later Tim was back in her face. She groaned. "What now, Tim?" She said in a tired tone.
"What was that about?"
She turned to start her search for Jen. "Not your business."
For once, robin took the hint and didn't continue to follow her. But that didn't mean he had dropped it. His eyes slowly scanned the room in search of his green haired friend. He was with Wally, Karen and Baron helping finish candy coating the apples for their apple bobbing game tomorrow.
His eyes darkened as he approached.
The four of them were talking brightly about the upcoming fundraiser and how much fun they'd have despite Raven's mood. They gave Tim no acknowledgement.
He stood there watching and waiting. Finally they looked up to him.
"Hey, Tim. What's up?" Karen greeted.
He gave her a slight nod and continued watching Gar.
Karen and Wally eyed each other before going about their work.
It was a moment later that Gar looked up. "Hey, dude."
Tim watched him steadily. "Can we talk for a moment?" He asked.
Gar nodded knowing exactly what he was going to speak of. And he already had a defense waiting.
They walked for a moment. From the far side of the room, Raven watched, waiting to see how Robin took this.
"What's this I hear about you going out with Raven?"
Gar loved the way he worded it. He implied that he was the one going out with Raven. It was either he says yes and gets the wrath or corrects the situation to the truth and admit to setting Raven up on a blind date in which he will be double dating with her.
"Actually, I'll be going with someone else. We're going on a double date."
"Yea? With who?"
"I'll be going with Jen and she's going with Slade Wilson."
Robin nodded. "Where'd they meet?"
Slowly Gar replied. "They haven't met yet."
"Oh?" Robin pretended to act surprised. "Jen is introducing them?"
In which case Robin would have nothing in this. And Gar knew if he just said yes, then this discussion would be over. Chances are, even if he said yes, and then Robin confronted Jen, Jen would agree just to spite him. She was steadily becoming irritated by his hold on Raven's life.
"No. I'll be introducing them tonight."
"Ah." He said.
Gar heard the rage creeping into his voice. He was glad Robin wasn't looking at him so he wouldn't be able to see him turn crazy. "Yes." He said standing firm. "Raven deserves to date just as much as you do. and if you're not going to let her go and keep her on reserve for a night when you finally wake up and dump Kori, then I'll help her out in the matter. It's funny really. I'd think you'd want the best for her, but in the end you just want more than you're permitted to have. You can't have both girls, Tim."
"Who gave you permission to take this upon yourself? This wasn't your business-"
"Raven gave me permission. And that's the only person I need it from."
Robin's voice had been shaky. He was on the edge of seeing red. Gar's voice, though quiet, was steady.
Robin grimaced at him with his hands starting to clutch into fists. "Raven is off-"
"Yes, she's off limits to you. Because you have a girlfriend. The only time you will have a say in what goes on with raven is when you and her are together again at which time, I wouldn't be setting her up to begin with." He interrupted.
Robin's eyes were spitting fire. "Since when did you get so ballsy?"
"Since you started making her life miserable. Not to mention, I'm not being ballsy. I'm being a friend. Friends take care of their friends. Even if said friend is the ex girlfriend of another friend." And cautiously he left Robin's side to return to his group.
Robin was seething. Anyone within a twenty feet radius could tell that.
After the discussion, Gar exhaled deeply. That went better than he expected. He made all his points and left before he turned absolutely livid.
And now Raven made her way to Jen.
Jen was helping out by the maze. Raven came up behind her and whispered in her ear a request to speak to her. Jen nodded and turned to follow her into the hall.
"What's up my Rae Rae?"
Raven quirked a brow at the new nickname but didn't comment on it. "I have a favor to ask of you. Are you doing anything tonight?"
Jen thought for all of about thirty seconds before shaking her head.
"Will you go out on a double date with me?"
Jen couldn't hide her look of utter surprise. "And who?"
"You'll be going with Gar and I with his friend Slade."
"Gar? What in the world possessed you to think I wanted to date gar? And who is Slade?"
"You can just go as friends. I didn't want to be alone with someone I'm just meeting tonight. Slade is new. Please do this for me?" Raven pleaded.
Jen looked at her for a long time before glancing in the gym. Next to Gar, Vic had come up to chat. Seeing him made her grumble a bit. Then her eyes brightened. And she turned her attention back to raven. "I'd be glad to."
Raven didn't question her sudden change of mind. She nodded, thanked her and hugged her before they returned to the set up.
Jen made a direct route to Gar, to whom Vic was still talking to. Her wicked smile still dancing like wild fire. She linked her arm with Gar's as she stopped at the table. All talk stopped.
Gar turned to her with surprise. "Uh... hi Jen."
"Hi. Do you have any request on what you'd like me to wear tonight?" She toyed paying absolutely no mind to the narrowed dark eyes of the large man next to Gar.
Gar eyed her skeptically. "Umm... no. What you have on now is fine." He said quietly as a slight blush rose on his cheeks.
"This?" Jen lifted the end of her shirt with a mock look of disgust. "No way. I wore this all day at school. Tonight, I want to dress for you. After all, this is our first date."
"Date?" Vic asked.
Jen looked up to him with a simple innocent smile. "Why yes. I thought he would have told you. Oh well." She turned back to Gar. "Better yet, I think I'll leave it as a surprise." She squeezed his arm and turned sashaying her hips knowing both boys' eyes were on her. Her grin became wicked once again.
After a moment of watching her walk away, Vic turned to Gar who was avoiding his eye and deeply concentrating on the work at hand. "Date?" He repeated.
Gar looked at him for a moment before looking away. "Raven's idea. And it's a double date. Raven would only agree to go if I went with Jen. I swear I didn't have anything to do with it."
Vic turned and walked off.
x-x-x-x-x-x
Slade appeared shortly before set up was ending. It was only a few moments before Gar spotted him and ran up. "Hey." He said as he approached.
Slade grinned and gave a slight incline of his head to him. "Am I too early?"
Gar shook his head. "We should be finishing up soon."
As he said it, Raven had called the group together. "Be right back." Gar said and jogged off.
Slade stood and watched. Raven was by far the nicest looking one here. Of course he did have a taste for the darker ladies. Even in warmer clothes to keep out the cold winter's wind, she looked amazing.
He could spot a few others he recognized. Gar for one. He's hard to miss with green hair.
And Jen with bright pink hair. Gar had mentioned that Raven agreed as long as it was a double date. So Gar and Jen, whom he'd informed of her appearance, would be joining them. Which was fine.
Roy he spotted fairly easy. He had his arms around two girls. Player at heart.
And Robin. Gar had pointed him out the day he had noticed Raven. Slade's yellow eyes met his from across the room. He looked pissed. And from what he'd gathered about this boy, it was because Raven was going out with some one other than himself.
So Slade smirked at him. And then his eyes went back to Raven. He knew that would really get under Robin's skin.
A moment later the crowd was dismissed and the group headed for the door.
Gar pushed his way through to get to Raven, who set her notebook down on a near by stand and walked in pace with Gar. They were heading for Slade.
A few feet away, Raven looked up to the boy she would be dating tonight. His hair was almost completely white and not too long, lying flat on his head. It looked to be as soft as a baby's hair. His eyes were bright amber yellow. He was nicely toned but didn't wear that which would show it off too much. He was around the same height as Robin if not a few inches taller. He wore black pants over black shoes; a gray shirt under a semi-dress coat. All together, he looked like someone Raven might like.
Gar grinned. "Slade this is the lovely Raven. Raven, I'd like to introduce Slade Wilson."
Raven gave him a small smile as she said hi.
His smile was fairly minute as well. "Nice to finally meet the ever-loved Raven Roth."
Raven gave a slight chuckle. "Yes, I am she unfortunately."
A moment later Jen came up from behind, lacing her fingers in Gar's. Gar visibly tensed. "Hey guys." She beamed.
Raven couldn't help but smile. She had changed. She now wore some low cut jeans, tight as can be with a shirt that had a v neck which was also cut very low. Much of her cleavage was showing as well as a line of her mid-drift showing off her belly ring. She had some heeled boots on and her hair was in a French twist with small ringlets falling.
Gar looked at her with wide eyes a moment before he was able to compose himself. He cleared his throat and turned back to Slade. "This is Jen Bishop. Jen, this is Slade."
Jen gave him a sweet smile while saying hi.
Tim walked by to see them all smiling. His arm was around Star's waist but his eyes were fully trained on Raven. He was still seething as Star pulled him along.
A moment after he left, Vic walked through glaring at the four of them as well.
Surprisingly enough, Raven quite enjoyed herself. They all did actually. Jen, although she only really agreed to make Vic jealous was pleasantly surprised to find herself laughing and enjoying Gar's company. Gar, after he loosened up a bit from Jen's forward approach, and after he realized it was to make Vic jealous (and he wanted nothing to do with it), had a blast too. Raven felt comfortable enough with Jen and Gar there to relax around Slade. And Slade admired them all for many reasons.
First they hit the café downtown two blocks away from the theater. It was a nice set up in an old malt shop type atmosphere. They ordered fraps and burgers while playing the jukebox. At one point Gar had convinced them all do try and dance on the floor like they had in the old days. It was a sight for sore eyes. But they laughed so hard, they almost wet themselves.
By the time they left the malt shop, their cheeks and stomachs hurt from laughing. They walked the short distance down to the theater.
They chose to watch a horror. It turned out not to be so bad though. They were slightly disappointed in it.
The boys dropped the girls off at Jen's house where they planned to spend the night.
"So…" Jen said with a wide grin. They were sitting on her bed in night clothes as Raven brushed her hair. "What do you think of him?"
Raven smiled lightly and shrugged. "I don't know. He seems nice. I had fun tonight."
Jen nodded. "Me too." She said with slight disbelief. "I never minded hanging out with Gar, but I didn't realize I'd like it so much."
Raven again nodded. "Yea. He's a great guy. I can't believe he did this for me. And after having to face Tim too."
Jinx shrugged. "Well, now either Tim will come around or the four of us will enjoy more double dates together."
Raven laughed.
x-x-x-x-x-x
The next day's carnival went off without a hitch. They raised close to double their goal and had a considerably happy time. Everyone was pleasantly surprised to see Raven in an exceptionally better mood. The two hours before they opened everyone was laughing and having a good time. Including Raven. This was what they had wanted when they joined Raven's teams. Not only to be a part of the legacy Raven was leaving behind but have a blast doing so.
Of course not everyone was happy. There were two very perturbed males amongst this crowd.
One watched Gar and Jen like a hawk. Gar had at some point became extremely comfortable around her. They laughed and talked just like any new friendship. But on top of that, there was the touching. A gentle hand on the arm. A hand on the mid back to guide along. Nicely tucking a loose strand of hair behind one's ear. Tucking in tags on the back of shirts.
It was enough to make the captain of the football team very jealous. There was a point when he was ready to storm across the room but was stopped when he had a customer.
The other was a very dark haired boy already on the edge of sanity. As it turned out, Slade decided he'd like to assist today. So he conveniently hung around Raven like a puppy. Robin couldn't place what she liked about him. There wasn't anything particularly great. Not that he could see.
Though if he took the time to notice, for the first time since the two of them were together, there were whispers going on among those of the student body present. All whispers and giggles pointing to Raven and Slade. At first they hid their gossip when Robin would walk by or was near. But after a while, no one cared. It spread like wild fire.
Robin stayed in an uptight mood all day. Down to the very end. At least this evening's after party wouldn't include Slade and Robin could get his status back with Raven. Even with star there. It would happen.
So as the break down came to an end, the group gathered getting ready to pile in the vehicles and drive to Wally's house.
When they were nine, they had managed to convince the adults to make the upstairs to Wally's parent's two car garage a play space for the neighborhood kids. For a long time they put up a fight. But in the long run they'd agreed. It would be a place that the kids could hang out, partially supervised, and in close proximity to watchful eyes. It would assist to keep the kids off the streets, out of gangs, the children could be monitored and the parents were able to make sure they had no exposure to drugs and alcohol. And if they did, they knew the source.
So the children gathered furniture and stuff to occupy their time. It turned into a great hang out when the group was younger and as they grew, the place grew with them. They'd always donate their own personal belongings for the group to share. And if there was something they wanted, that none already owned, they'd all pitch in money and it would become the hang-outs property, belonging to no one.
Now a great percentage of those on the committee headed that way. Robin watched closely. Any time now he expected Slade to get back in his truck and drive in the opposite direction. But to his distain, he climbed in the jeep that belonged to Gar along with Raven and Jen. All of which headed to Wally's.
Forgetting he had been holding Star's hand, he let her go and made a b line for Wally. He was chatting with Roy and Karen.
"Who invited him?" He asked harshly interrupting their conversation.
The three looked up to him. "Who?" Karen asked.
"Slade." He grimaced.
Wally shrugged. "I would assume gar. Or possibly Raven. I have no idea."
"I don't want him there."
Karen placed her hands on her hips. "Oh really? I don't see that he needs your permission. Its not your party nor your property nor your garage. So you have no say."
"It's all of ours, the room. I have just as much say as anyone else." Robin seethed.
"Yes." Karen agreed. "You do have just as much say as everyone else. And you're over-ruled." She grabbed both the silent red-headed-boys on either side of her and pushed past Robin.
An instant later, Star was upon him again. "Timmy, is everything alright?"
"Yea fine." He snapped and headed to his car leaving Star alone.
Robin had been her ride so she stood there and watched everyone start to drive off. Tara and Dawn had already left thinking Star was leaving with Robin. And as Robin drove off, Star was left alone.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x
The group was having a great time, just as they always did when they gathered together. it wasn't everyone from the committee, just the core group: Jen, Karen, Kara, Kendra, Donna, Libby, Tara, Dawn, Gar, Vic, Wally, Roy, Garth, Baron, Mikron, Lilith, Raven and Robin. And now the newest invitee, Slade as well as a late and very annoyed Star.
It was quite a scene when Star finally showed up. She walked in with a somber expression standing in the door way a moment. Tara and Dawn made their way to her right away. They chatted for all of a few moments before Star stormed over to Robin, who sat on a chair in the far corner, his attention very clearly on Raven.
"So, Timothy. I very much appreciate the ride." She said in a conversational voice.
Robin glanced to her having no idea what she was talking about. "Yea sure. No problem."
She tapped her foot. "Is this how it is to be now? When you get upset that someone is to your ex-girlfriend's liking, you forget all about your present girlfriend of now one year? Do you plan to continue to leave me deserted in parking lots every time this happens?"
Robin looked up to her in a bit of a shock. He had forgotten star! "Oh, Kori. I'm so sorry." He made to grab for her hands but she snatched them away.
"I do not care for the apologies. I do not forgive you." And she turned, her hair whipping behind her like a whip on fire and stormed out the door, Tara and Dawn following after her.
At this point the room had hushed, listening. At least someone had told him right. Even if it did hurt the innocent in the process.
Robin jumped up and followed after her. But he didn't make it far. Tara and Dawn stopped him out side the door. Star was at the bottom of the stairs sobbing, and who should be down there? Raven.
"Kori?" Raven asked quietly.
Kori looked up with wide tear-stained eyes. "I am sorry Raven. I did not mean to bring you into this argument."
"You didn't. Are you ok?"
She shrugged. "I have noticed a difference in him since you have arrived back." She said quietly. "And although I am quite sure he is still in love with you, he has chosen to stay with me. I am not understanding. I care for him deeply but he has devoted his life and his heart to you. How am I to compete?"
Raven was stunned into silence. Star always seemed like a very simple being. She talked very easy and it was plain to see her innocence in everything. She was more than just naive. It was like she was from a different planet. Many customs she was unfamiliar with, though she was always eager to learn and help out at any given time.
And she was absolutely stunning. But she had no idea.
"I don't know what to say. But maybe you might have made some progress with him. You've managed to say something that he'd tear one of the guys apart for saying. And my friends don't count cause they're my friends. But you hit home tonight. He made a big mistake leaving you there and now he'll be kicking himself. You also hurt his pride by confronting him in front of everyone. He'd built this image that he has no faults, but you proved him to be normal just like everyone else."
Star took a deep breath. "Should I break off our relationship, Raven? Would that make his life easier?"
Raven had no idea what to say. It would make life easier. Although, then Robin would have something to prove, that he was over Raven. So he'd continue to make her life miserable and add Kori's on top of it. Both girls would be off limits to the entire district. "That has to be your decision, Kori. It's not something I or anyone else can make. That has to be solely your choice."
Star nodded and then stood. "Then I need some time to think. I thank you for your friendship tonight. Please give my regards to Tara and Dawn; tell them I shall call them in the morning."
Raven nodded.
Star left, walking down the road. She didn't live too far away, only a few blocks to the west. The sun was still partially up so she'd be safe. Raven stood at the end of the drive watching her retreating form until she was out of sight. Then she turned to head back up.
Robin stood there leaning against the side of the garage, his hands in his pockets.
Raven frowned and started on her way by him.
"Raven." He said.
Raven closed her eyes a moment before turning to him.
For once, he found himself at a loss for words. So Raven took the opportunity to speak.
"I'll only say this once. So think long and hard before you make up your mind. Before continuing to make my and Kori's lives miserable, you need to think about what you want. You cant have both, Tim. Its not fair to either of us. So choose."
For a second longer she held his gaze before retreating up the stairs to return to the party. She relayed Star's message to her friends and then retook her seat with Slade, Jen, Gar and Donna around the table in the television area.
Jen and Gar were sharing a chair, somewhat lazily. Though they weren't talking to each other, both of them were glowing as they'd talk to the rest of the group. And every time one's hand would accidentally brush other others leg, they'd blush furiously and apologize.
It was really adorable.
On the other side, Raven sat next to Slade, though they had a few inches distance between them. There was something strange about this boy. A lot of mysteries left to be solved. His eyes were bright and yet dark at the same time. Raven had never seen hair as white as his either and he insisted he didn't color it. He was good company. There was much she could learn from him.
And who would have thought, her plea to both Gar and Jen to date with her turned out in both of theirs best interest. Of course it also brought out the worse in Vic. He spent all his time grimacing and watching.
Around eight or so, Mikron and Lilith approached the chatting group.
"I think we should play some music. You know. And dance. Do something to get our blood flowing." Lilith suggested.
"Go ahead." Gar said. "I'd rather be the one dancing oppose to singing and playing tonight. If you need drums, Kara's vaguely familiar. You could ask her."
Lilith nodded, dragging a grumbling Mikron. He hated anyone being substituted in the band for even a moment.
So they played. They played the quieter music since it was getting late. And since it was Valentine's Day, they played their 'love' songs. Once their ballet was done, and all their songs played, Mikron manned the disc station to play CDs.
Jen stood grabbing gar's hand. "Come on, dance with me." She jibbed giving him an intoxicating sweet smile.
Gar grinned and stood allowing her to lead him to the small cleared out area where Roy and Donna were already dancing along with Karen and Wally.
Shyly they held on to each other.
"I have a confession." Jen said with a slight blush.
Gar nodded.
"I only agreed to last night because I knew it would drive Vic crazy. But not even ten minutes after we left, I hadn't thought about him all night. I think maybe I was looking in all the wrong places before."
Her pink eyes were bright looking into his emerald eyes. "I know what you mean. You had always just been that girl that my friend dated or the best friend of another friend's girlfriend. For that reason alone, I hadn't paid a whole lot of attention to you."
"You know Vic is going to be pretty pissed."
"Why? We're just dancing." He said dumbly.
Jen bit her bottom lip and looked up at him. "This very second that's all we're doing."
"Jen, I'm not like that. I'm not that kind of guy. I don't just-"
Jen giggled and placed her fingers over his lips. "I'm not talking about that, Gar. though I am that kind of girl, that's still not what I was thinking about."
For just a moment longer they stared into each other's eyes before their lips met.
When Robin finally walked back in the door, he scanned the room quickly. What was with his friends lately? Garth kissing Raven. Gar setting Raven up with some guy behind his back. And then gar -kissing?- Jen, Vic's ex girlfriend and inviting Slade here tonight. And then Star. Making such a scene in front of everyone. Besides that... what had Raven been talking about?
A decision? For what? To leave Star mad or make up with her? If that was it, he chose to fix it. He headed to Star's house shortly after Raven returned upstairs. He didn't have to knock or anything. She was sitting on the porch swing curled in a blanker and reading a book.
When she spotted him she tried to ignore him. It didn't work very long. Robin was cunning enough that he apologized profusely and took her into his arms. He made her feel better.
Although he now second guessed some of the things he said. He had told her he loved her. On one hand, it helped the situation. On the other it confused his life a little more. He guessed he did love her on some levels. He has been with her for a year after all. And though Raven was here, back after so long, he was choosing to stay with Star. He wasn't sure why really, but he was. So maybe that was a sign.
Still, he couldn't seem to be able to let Raven go. Since the first time they had met, she has been the only person in the world who he strived for. He wanted to impress her, make her smile. He wanted her happy. He wanted to be the one she turned to, the one she relied on. When she was upset or needed something, he wanted to be the one she ran to. He wanted to be able to comfort her. He just wanted her.
It was only the second day of first grade when the group of six-year-olds came running in the room. A group of twelve. Seven girls and five boys. No one then realized those girls would be best friend all through their schooling careers. And the boys would grow together as a group as well: Jen, Karen, Raven, Kendra, Libby, Donna, Kara, Gar, Vic, Robin, Garth and Wally.
This was their first time meeting since kindergarten was not in session the year prior as a cause to staffing shortages.
It was recess time. The day was warm. Robin, Wally and Vic were playing on the monkey bars with the girls, Jen, Raven and Libby, playing on the connecting sliders.
Strange how it happened. Raven had jumped on to the slider and was making her way across to the platform connecting that area to the monkey bars when she jumped off right as Robin did the same. They stood there looking at each other for a long time. She had such wide eyes, purple in color and long black silky hair falling out of her pig tails.
"I like your eyes." He commented. "I have never seen purple eyes before."
Raven blinked. "I like your... shirt." She said back lamely.
Robin laughed. "Batman is my hero. Who's yours?"
Raven shrugged. "My mother."
"My name is Timothy Drake. What is yours?"
"Raven."
"Raven what?"
She narrowed her eyes. "I'm not supposed to talk to strangers."
"But I'm not a stranger." Robin laughed. "I'm in your class. We're going to be friends."
She looked at him skeptically. "Raven Roth."
Robin grinned and took a step back to reach for the monkey bars. His hands missed though and he fell off the platform onto his back.
Raven looked over the side with a small mischievous grin and a slight giggle.
Since then, he had longed to always be the one to put that look on her face.
It killed him now to look in the room and see her lying back on the couch with that boy and his arm around her shoulders; her head resting on his. Even now, after he had professed his love for Kori, it made his blood boil.
-LC