"Alright, I know I said this about like three hundred times dude,"
"Yea…"
"But I'm tellin' ya man I really really really don't think this is such a good idea!" Cyborg finished with that famous high-pitched fashion while he and Spider-Man strolled down the darkened hallways of Titans Tower. Spidey just sighed as he rolled his eyes away from his cybernetic partner in crime.
"Cy trust me, I know what I'm doing."
"Man, that's what you always say!"
"And when have I ever been wrong?" Spidey questioned. Cyborg then replied with a cold glare which Spider-Man only scoffed at.
"Oh come on, when?"
"Gee I dunno," Cyborg mocked. "Uh maybe the time you told me to go bungee jumping off of Wayne Towers using one of your weblines?"
"… Oh yeah," Spidey stuttered, "But hey, it's not like the webline snapped or anything."
"Right," Cyborg mockingly agreed. "But you didn't take into consideration that your weblines would have so much give that I'd be propelled to a higher elevation than I started at!"
"Huh, okay fine." Spidey surrendered. "One bad suggestion, no one's perfect. Besides," he elbowed Cyborg, "You gotta admit it was pretty funny."
Cyborg just gave an even colder stare with his LED eye lighting up.
"Um okay, it wasn't that funny." Spidey shrank.
The two slowly made their way down the halls with their 'too cool for school' strolls until they came to the room in question. The sign on the metallic door of course read:
RAVEN
Cyborg sighed in a whisper, "Are you sure you wanna do this?"
"Definitely," Spider-Man nodded with confidence. "Once I put my mind to something I just gotta do it."
"Man why don't you just put that much effort into eating Starfire's cooking?"
Spider-Man gasped.
"What do you think I am? Crazy?"
"Uh yea,"
" . . . "
"Look man it's already bad enough you went into Raven's head." Cyborg paused, shuttering at the horrific memories. "And I know for a fact that's already mental suicide, but now you want to do this?"
"Yea I want to do this." Spidey grumbled. "A spider's gotta do what a spider's gotta do."
"What spin web? Eat flies? Annoy the hell out of people?"
"Yes, all those things."
Huff.
"Fine whatever, it's your call." Cyborg gave up. "Watching Raven choke the life out of you might be pretty entertaining anyway."
"Thanks for your support."
"No prob Bob."
"Yea, yea, yea okay. Now let's get to work."
"Right on," Cyborg flipped his arm cover off. "Let's see what I got on the good ol' iPod shall we?"
A bloop, a bleep, and a zoink later, his iPod monitor popped up showing a dazzling array of music from the urban sounds of hip hop to the spicy Latin flavors of salsa. Cyborg chuckled at Spidey's enlarged eyes as he began to stroll through the menus and screens finding the right song for this particular mission.
"Alright, what song would you like Redman?"
"Why don't we try some dance music er, Method Man."
The two heroes strolled down the list with curious glares.
"N'sync?" Spider-Man went wide-eyed.
"Yea, let's not talk about that." Cyborg quickly strolled past the boy band in question and continued to read the passing names quickly.
"Moby?"
"Nah."
"M.C. Hammer?"
"Nah."
"Weird Al Yankovich?"
"Hell no."
"The Spice Girls?"
"I don't... wait a sec. What!" Spider-Man gasped. "The Spice Girls?"
"Um… yea… you see… back in the-"
"Dude, that's perfect!"
Cyborg slapped his head, making sure he heard that clearly.
"Oh jeez you're not going to use them are you?"
Spider-Man only nodded mischievously and Cyborg groaned.
"Raven is so going to kill you."
"She won't," Spider-Man gulped. "… Hopefully anyway,"
( - Inside Raven's Room - )
The art of meditation as Raven knew it was something only true mystics could understand. This isn't your Beverly Hills pseudo yoga, also known as that 'I'm so sophisticated and posh that I need to sit and look cool' kind of meditation. This was the real deal. This was where the mind truly settles into a peaceful state to cleanse one's astral self of all negative energies.
But lately Raven's subconscious has been in a total loop of lunacy. Her negative and positive energies were becoming unbalanced at the spiritual level, her emotions literally going hectic. And to think this was all because of one certain loud mouth hero in red spandex. And no, it wasn't the Flash.
Okay Raven, this is just like any other day, just focus and it'll all go away. She convinced herself. it'll all go away…
"Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos" the words began to be whispered from her mouth, that chant channeling her spiritual aura evenly throughout her body. Her breaths became calm as that mystical healing did its magic, giving some of that peace that Raven always sorely needed. Complete silence was all she heard around her, concentrating on the three very words that gave tranquility to her soul.
Yes, nothing could interrupt her now…
Nothing…
(Cue the Song from Hell!)
The sounds of a very familiar beat that brought horrors to millions over the years blasted through Raven's door like nails on a chalkboard, sending her crashing to the floor out of surprise. The dizzying assortment of corny drum bashing and cheesy guitar playing was driving her insane as she rubbed the bump on her poor lil ol' head.
"What is going on?" Raven grumbled as she began to hear voices singing along karaoke style from right outside her door.
"Spider Man?" Raven's eyes widened horrifically. "... Cyborg?"
Spider-Man: Yo, I'll tell you what I want, what I really really want!
Cyborg: So tell me what you want, what you really really want!
Spider-Man: I'll tell you what I want, what I really really want!
Cyborg: So tell me what you want, what you really really want!
Spider-Man: I wanna, I wanna, I wanna, I wanna-
Cyborg: I wanna really really get down with a Spider-Man jam!
"Oh my Azar." Raven muttered, more afraid than she had ever been in her entire life.
Spider-Man: If you want my future? Forget my past!
Cyborg: Forget it!
Spider-Man: If you wanna get with me better make it fast!
Cyborg: Oh yeah!
Spider-Man: Now don't go wasting, my precious time!
Cyborg: Don't waste it!
Spider-Man: Get your act together we could be just fine!
Cyborg: Booyah!
As Spider-Man and Cyborg were finishing out their horrific vocals to the second chorus, Raven just had about enough. She took a couple of deep breaths as she clutched her ears, opening the door to see a scene that was flat out scary.
That scene was of Cyborg and Spidey having a little too much fun jamming - being hooked up with mics to the half-droid's onboard karaoke set. Raven's eyes popped wide open as she was literally twitching in fear and irritation. These two boys didn't even notice her as they were just that freakishly into the music, bobbing their heads totally oblivious.
Spidey was definitely singing his precious little heart out, "I'll tell ya what I want, what I really really want! OW! If you wannabe my lover! You gotta get with my-"
"YIKES!" Suddenly Cyborg yelped as his speakers exploded in a brilliant display of sparks. Spider-Man froze with microphone in hand as he turned and saw Raven with that always non amused face.
"Sheesh." He sighed, "You didn't even let us get to the second verse."
Raven's eyes flared, "What are you two doing?"
Nervous gulps.
"Uh, Robin?" Cyborg muttered to the air. "Oh yeah, I think hear Robin calling." he lied. "Don't worry Rob! I'm on my way!"
The half-droid then took off as quick as lightning, darting down the hallways and leaving Spidey in the dust.
"Hey! How am I going to finish this song without the accompanying music?"
Spider-Man turned only to be met with Raven again.
"Is this your idea of a joke?" Raven asked coldly.
"What?"
"What do you mean 'what'?"
"You mean my singing?"
" . . . "
Spider-Man deflated, "I wasn't that bad was I?"
Suddenly Spidey yelled out as he was grabbed forcibly by the collar of his costume. Raven yanked him to a face to face glare with of course Spider-Man cowering in fear.
"Wow, you're strong." Spider-Man mused. "You've been working out with Cyborg haven't you?"
"Look," Raven growled irritably. "I've had enough of your antics, haven't you bugged me enough today?"
"Oh come on, you know I was totally kickin' it with that Spice Girls song."
"The only thing that is gonna get 'kicked' is your rear end if you ever sing that again. Besides, I'm meditating right now so if you'll excuse me, maybe you can do your karaoke thing elsewhere."
"But, that karaoke thing was for you." Spider-Man informed. "I was serenading you."
"You were what?" Raven's eyes grew blank as she released him.
Spidey straightened out his costume, "Starfire told me that you were going to some poetry club tonight and long behold, for some crazy reason you haven't invited me yet."
Loud mouthed Starfire apparently had struck again.
Raven huffed, "Yea but-"
"So I thought this could help my chances in being invited."
"Wait," Raven glared questionably, "You thought 'this' would make me feel so good that I'd just let you come along?"
"Hah! Hell no," Spider-Man corrected, "I was thinking I would threaten you with this singing all night until you'd let me come along."
"… You wouldn't."
"Heh, wouldn't I?"
Raven groaned, "That's just cold blooded."
"I'm a spider remember?" Spider-Man teased.
It looked like our Raven didn't have much of a choice and her silence made Spider-Man jump for joy. The answer was already apparently written over that frowning face.
"Yay!" Spider-Man patted her on her hooded head, "I'll get my camera!"
Poor poor Raven.
"… Damn nation."
( - City Side - )
"Civilians," Venom sighed as he looked over the edge atop of an abandoned tower. "They're so helpless it's disgusting."
"Yep," Mammoth agreed, resting his large figure upon heavy crates. "Fun to pick on though,"
"This is going to be so fun!" Jinx commented as she was filing her nails. "I can't wait to see the looks on those Titans' faces when they see us."
Suddenly Venom heard a 'ksst' noise that meant his communicator was being called. The symbiote picked up his H.I.V.E. communicator and listened in as the sounds kept echoing.
Ksst…
Ksst…
Ksst…
Ksst…
"Carnage," Venom spoke into the intercom.
"Hmmm?"
"Uh, what are you doing?"
"I'm making cool noises with our new toys duh."
"Oh, are you having fun?"
"Yes I am."
"Good make this worth your while." Venom hissed. "Because once you get back up here we're going to get to kill you."
"What? Why?"
"That shit is annoying."
"Huh," Carnage groaned. "Sheesh, fine lame-o I'll stop."
There was silence.
Kssst…
"Sorry, one more for the road."
"Ugh," Venom tossed his hand into his face. "Will you get serious Carnage?"
"Dude," Carnage hissed. "Call me by my code name!"
"What? Hell no!"
"Do it or this conversation is over."
Venom groaned as he angrily clenched his free fist, "Fine… 'Brad Pitt'." the words escaped through grinding teeth.
"Good call 'Tom Cruise'. How are 'Angelina Jolie', 'Michael Jackson', and 'Big Foot'?"
"Shut up and give us a report would you?"
"Alrighty, uh the dilly is fine over here. No Teeny Titans in sight."
"Great, then get your ass back up on the roof." Venom commanded. "We need to plan this out carefully and last thing we want is you messing anything up."
"Okie dokie, but I need to test something first."
Distorted scuffling could be heard and Venom looked at his teammates puzzlingly.
"Okay, can you hear me now?"
"Uh, yeah."
"Good."
More scuffling.
"Okay, can you hear me now?"
"Um, yes but-"
"Good."
There was more scuffling and Venom was about to explode.
"Okay can you-"
"For your sake there better be a point to this!"
Awkward pause
"Uh, do I ever have a point?"
Venom cringed, "You are so dead!"
"Damn will you chill out scuzz ball?" Gizmo growled as he continued to work. "I think the whole city heard you."
Venom took a deep breath as he spoke into his communicator, "Just get up here."
"But I'm already up here." Carnage chuckled on his walkie talkie. Venom turned and yelled in surprise as Carnage was right in his face with that ugly grin. The other three H.I.V.E. members simply jaw dropped at what Carnage was wearing.
"Guys, you wouldn't believe it! They're giving away free sombreros at Tacos Caliente tonight!" Carnage danced a salsa inspired tune. "La cu cu racha! La cu cu racha! Na na-na-na-na-na na!"
"Whoa cool!" Venom exclaimed too overly excited. "Let us see that hat up close."
Carnage strolled over and bowed his head so Venom could see the giant sombrero. The crimson symbiote was graciously thanked by a vicious slap to the head, knocking his hat over the building. Carnage gasped as he watched it fall story by story and after a dramatic pause he turned to Venom with angered eyes.
"Now why'd you have to go do that you jerk?"
"Because you're a freaking poon,"
"Jeez, don't have to be so harsh."
"The truth is always harsh."
"Wait," Jinx interrupted the arguing as she stared over the edge. "Is that grumpy?"
"Grumpy?" Gizmo questioned as he leapt up and walked over to Jinx. With a press of the button a pair of hi-tech binoculars sprouted from his backpack. The night vision equipped visual enhancers zoomed in on the person in question and he nodded.
"Yea it is." Gizmo smiled like the evil baby-faced boy he was. "It's that creepy Titan," he turned to Venom, "And she's with your friend."
"Really?" Venom questioned as he hopped to the edge to confirm this new info. The symbiote smiled as he saw that costume of red and blue he hated so much. With a pause of thought, he turned to his teammates and lashed his tongue out.
"Hah, alright kiddies, change of plans."
( - Down On the Streets Below - )
"This is going to be so fun!" Spider-Man yelled as he caught another webline and soared above the streets of Jump City, not caring about the weird looks he was getting. This 'non care' of his public image wasn't farfetched, considering this was a kid who wore red and blue spider tights that looked like kiddy pajamas.
Raven on the other hand was as red cheeked as can be, totally embarrassed as she glared at the snooping eyes of the public. It was already bad enough when they were acting 'normal', Raven being a super hero and all. But Spidey's goofiness sure wasn't helping her distaste in attention.
With a sigh Raven made sure her hood covered her face as she attempted to ignore the stares, soaring adjacent to the webslinger with that gift of levitation.
"It's just Spidey and Raven, kicking it old school!" Spider-Man celebrated, catching another webline. "You pumped too right Rae?"
"Yea," Raven droned with that somber sophisticated tone. "I can't even contain my excitement."
"Really," Spidey sighed as he soared by Raven upside down, "And by golly you can cut the sarcasm with a knife."
Raven giggled a bit on the inside at Spidey's sportscaster mockery as the two continued to fly to their desired destination. Spider-Man's eyes were pretty wide as he wasn't too familiar with Jump City's night life – busy fighting crime in the week he has been here. At first glance it wasn't as hectic as the New York City's 24/7 bonanza, but as the ghettofied peeps would say "It was still pretty bumpin' fo sho".
"So, are you going to give me the cold shoulder all night Raven?" Spider-Man broke the silence as he caught up to her once again with a pull of his webline.
"I can try." Raven replied as she kept looking forward.
"Oh give it up, I'm going to crack you sooner or later. I grow on people quite quickly if I say so myself."
"Sorta like fungus?"
"Hah! That was a good one!" Spider-Man laughed as he flipped.
"Happy to amuse you," Raven rolled her eyes.
There was an uneasy silence as Spidey pondered what to do next.
"Ahem, so anyway, where's the first stop on this little date of ours?"
Suddenly Raven's soaring came to a dead stop and Spidey flailed wildly to pause on a dime as he swayed like a pendulum on his webline. Raven's eyes turned white as she gave a look that would bring even the bravest souls to their knees.
"… Did I say something?" Spider-Man whimpered as he continued to sway back and fourth.
"This… isn't… a… date." Raven's eyes turned to fire. "YOU GOT THAT?"
"Gah!" Spider-Man yelped in fear as he nodded as fast as possible. "Okay-okay-okay, this isn't a date."
Raven fumed as she turned and continued to hover off in her own little world causing Spider-Man to let out a sigh of relief. It was Smart's words of wisdom that kept him upbeat as he followed her, chuckling inside at this façade of bitterness Raven created.
It was sort of cute knowing how much emotion she was holding back but at the same time it was even more admirable. Spidey knew he wouldn't last a second if he was forced to do what she had to do. This kid wore his emotions on his sleeve.
"Yellow, was right." Spider-Man muttered to himself as he whipped over to Raven. "She deserves some fun."
A few more minutes of levitation and web-slinging and our two heroes found their way into the most happening depressed lounge in all of Jump City.
'The Eclipse Café'
Spider-Man landed along side Raven and stared at the gimmicky café with puppy eyes. His sights were set on the illuminating words as he turned to Raven who was glaring at him questionably.
"The words are so purdy." Spider-Man smiled. Raven only rolled her eyes. The arachnoid walked over to the gothic styled doorway and pushed it open. "Ladies first,"
Raven took the gesture with that usual insensitive front, this sorceress being the last woman on Earth that would want to be treated like a prissy spoiled girl. With determination she walked past Spider-Man wanting to completely ignore him but it was just impossible. It was just too innocent and sweet.
"Thanks," She muttered under her breath.
Spider-Man nodded, "You're very welcome."
Raven turn to acknowledge him but suddenly yelped, "Ah!"
It was a flash from a camera that temporarily blinded her. She rubbed her eyes furiously as she turned to Spider-Man who was twirling that annoying camera in his hand.
"Now this is going to be a good picture." Spider-Man admired. "The first time Raven ever thanked me for anything. Heh, I'll be sure to cherish this one."
"You're really something you know that?" Raven growled as she tantrum'd her way into the café. Spider-Man nodded.
"Yep, I am 'something'."
Spider-Man walked in and instantly his comfort level soared to new lows. This place was dark - Raven's room dark. Disturbing furniture, paintings, and statues didn't help matters too much either. It was just so gloomy. But the scariest thing was that everyone that was in the area looked even gloomier.
"Raven." A gothic looking teenager who apparently worked here greeted in a whisper. "Nice to see you,"
"Same here Sabrina."
"Whoa," Sabrina eyed Spider-Man. "You actually brought one of your teammates down here?" The girl commented. "Getting soft on me Raven,"
"My hands are tied."
"She's joking," Spider-Man defended. "She invited me."
"… Is this true?"
Raven didn't even reply, not even thinking it was worth dwelling on.
"Nice costume," Sabrina commented on Spidey's rather bright clothing. "You'll fit right in."
"Always do."
"Okay, uh, well make yourselves comfortable. It's improv night, have fun you two lovebirds."
Raven gasped, "Wait a minute, he's not-"
"Just have fun."
Raven gave up on keeping her dark isolated reputation spotless and walked off to her usual table which was of course towards the back. She nodded at the 'usuals' who showed up to this dark place of despair as she sat quietly and glared to the stage. Spider-Man quickly followed suit, staying as close to Raven as possible, noticing the dark glares from this group of depressed souls that calling "mildly happy" would be a crime in all states.
The two sat down as amateur poets of all ages were giving improv a shot. Of course the lyrics consisted of the most dark and angsty words ever created by mankind.
"Wow, that's just so deep." Spider-Man commented.
Raven skewed, "Uh, you do know that he's just checking his microphone right?"
Spider-Man began to listen attentively as he noticed the words he commented on were 'Mic check one two three.' The arachnoid chuckled as he pointed.
"Hah, I was just testing you." Spider-Man saved himself. "And you passed."
"Yay." Raven muttered as a waiter came by to get them drinks. The sorceress ordered her usual special tea and Spider-Man of course had to make things more difficult.
"Um, do you have any root beer or something?"
Only blank glares were exchanged between Raven and the server.
"7-up?"
More blank stares.
"Red Bull?"
Sweat drops.
"O-k, I'll just have what she's having then."
Nods.
Spider-Man playfully twiddled his fingers as he looked up at Raven who was more or less ignoring him. He sighed as he stretched.
"So Raven," He whispered as he stretched. "How are you doing?"
"Relatively good," She responded while looking on at the depressed soul on stage pouring his heart out.
"Come here often?"
"… You could say that."
"Cool, uh," Spidey looked around at the dead serious stares. "This place is um… lively."
"Agreed,"
Obviously this small chat was obviously going nowhere and Spider-Man was sick of it.
"Okay, look Raven, about that whole mirror thing I just wanted to say-"
"Drinks are served." The waiter dropped two cups of herbal tea that steamed that strong aroma. Spidey curiously took a whiff and shook his head from the alien smell. Raven only smirked at his curiosity as she took that much needed sip.
"Well always good to try new things as they say." Spidey slowly reached for his mask causing Raven to freeze up immediately. Was she going to get to see his face?
"There we go." Spider-Man smiled his pearly whites as his mask was now up to his nose. Raven smirked on the outside while sighing on the inside. Like her emotions were saying to Spider-Man before, she desperately wanted to see the boy's face that has been driving her emotions over the top.
Spidey brought the tea up to his mouth and sipped it quickly. As one could imagine a suppressed gag followed and teary eyes formed after that. Raven looked on in amusement as Spidey coughed that sucker down. He looked at Raven with a weak smile.
"Tastey," he said in a coarse voice.
Cough.
He's so silly. Raven thought at his pure expose of innocence as she turned towards the stage area. Spider-Man turned as well and the two listened in on the freestyle poetry with of course Spidey showing a semi-interest in the dark soliloquy being read. Raven took notice.
"Look, if you're bored you could just head back to the tower."
"Bored?" Spidey seemed insulted. "I'm not bored."
"Don't lie."
"I'm not."
Raven only shrugged and Spidey fumed.
"Hey just because I wear bright blue and red, and I'm upbeat at times-"
"At times?"
"Fine, I'm always upbeat."
"Better."
"Be that as it may," Spidey grinned, "I do have a dark side in me too ya know."
"Riiiight,"
"I do." Spider-Man said as loud as a whisper could let him. "This suit wasn't always blue and red ya know. Once it was all black."
"All black?" Raven grew curious.
"Yep, pitch black."
"Interesting." Raven nodded. "But that doesn't change the fact that you just aren't dark."
"Oh really Ms. 'I know all'," Spider-Man smirked. "Fine, why don't I prove it to you?"
"What?"
Spider-Man looked up to the stage and noticed the open mic, he stood up from his chair and walked up to the stage with a confident strut.
"He wouldn't." Raven's eyes became fearful as she didn't even want to think about what Spider-Man was about to do. Yes everyone, our Spidey was going to take his shot at releasing his oh so poetic self.
Be afraid.
Be very afraid.
"Okay can everyone hear me?" Spider-Man hit the mic a couple of times sending feedback that pierced people's eardrums. The grimaces were enough of an answer. "Alrighty then! Well first off I want to say that I'm dedicating this to my main girl… Raven!"
He waved at her making everyone in the café turn with questioning glares. Raven slowly sank into her chair knowing exactly what was going to happen next.
( - Thirty Seconds Later - )
"Ouch! Hey! Stop!" Spider-Man yelped repeatedly. Our arachnoid wildly blocked a few projectiles with crazy swats as an assorted array of things such as napkin holders and Marilyn Manson CDs were being tossed at him. After a few last items that pelted him on the back it stopped as he made it out the door.
"Sheesh, can't these people take a joke?" He huffed angrily as Raven manifested herself in front of him. She only shook her head at him as if he were some sort of idiot.
"What did you expect?" Raven scowled. "You can't just walk up there and start singing the Happy Days song and expect to live."
"Well I couldn't think of anything else as dark as that okay? Besides it doesn't get much darker than that."
"I'm sure." Raven groaned as her reputation at this café was forever tarnished. The two were quickly met with Sabrina who came bursting out the door.
"Ah, I'm sorry for what happened in there." She looked at Spider-Man. "I hope you're not too hurt."
"Eh I'll live."
She turned to Raven, "Well I hope you come back Raven. I'm sorry the crowd didn't take too kindly to your boyfriend-"
Raven turned red, "He's… not… my… BOYFRIEND!" she retorted angrily as she walked off steaming.
Sabrina turned to Spider-Man who shook his head. "Sorry but my little honey buns is a little antsy about letting our relationship being known to the public. You see she's a little shy and-OOOW!"
Sabrina stared blankly as Raven had Spidey by his ear and began to drag him away.
"Ouch Raven, okay-okay-okay, it was a joke. GAH!"
( - Five Minutes Later - )
"Didn't think hanging out was going to be so painful," Spidey mumbled as he touched his aching ear. Raven continued her angry struts as the two continued to walk down the streets of Jump City with Raven's threatening glares keeping the public away. Spider-Man chuckled as he rubbed his ache.
"So what do you want to do now?"
Raven stared blankly, "First off you can stop with this whole 'we're on a date' vibe."
"Oh come on, I'm just playing around." Spider-Man answered. "Seriously, can't you ever admit that you're just having fun? I mean when I was in your mind I-"
"Just drop it."
Spider-Man quickly complied with pity as the two continued their silent walk to the bay area. She turned and stared at him behind the shadows of her hood.
"We're going back to the Tower."
"What? But the night's still young!"
"What else do you want to do? Get me thrown out of my favorite bookstore too?"
"Sorry, they still love you and you know it." Spider-Man laughed innocently while scratching his head.
"Whatever."
Apparently winning over Raven wasn't going to be as easy as he hoped. But Spider-Man wasn't one to give up so easily and victory was going to be his, one way or the other.
"I know this didn't start off too smooth but the rest of the night is going to be totally kickass. I prom-"
"The rest of the night?"
"Uh huh," Spider-Man nodded. "We can do anything we want!"
"No," Raven replied bluntly. "I'm going home."
"Ahem, no you're not." Spider-Man cleared his throat and took one deep breath. "Cause I'll tell ya what I want what I really really want! So tell me what you want what you really really-"
Raven quickly brought her hand over his blabbering mouth and sighed.
"… This is so not fair."
"Sure it is! Look all I want to do hang out with you for one night. Is that so much to ask?"
Spider-Man stood silent as the two stared at one another. Raven grumbled under her breath as her conflicting emotions were just plain annoying. She whimpered in defeat as she just nodded.
"… I guess not."
Spider-Man smiled, "Good, because I am totally in the mood for a movie."
"A movie? No, if you want to watch a movie you can go watch it your-"
Raven felt a pull of her arm and after traveling as it seemed miles in a five second span she found herself dizzy in front of a large theater with Spider-Man scratching his head trying to figure out a movie they could watch.
"… self," Raven finished for the Hell of it.
"Let's see what movie would we both really like…"
"Look Spider-Man I'm trying to be nice here. But seriously, can't you get it through that little head of yours that-"
"You're having fun with me but you just won't admit it?"
"Ugh, whatever," Raven tried to reply but only groaned as she crossed her arms. It was shameful to admit it but the night as dreary as she has been acting and as reckless as Spider-Man has been acting, she was having fun.
"Cool!" Spider-Man jumped. "Wicked Scarier: Even more Wicked Scary than 'Wicked Scary'! Whoa I gotta watch tha-"
"NO!" Raven yelled out uncharacteristically drawing blank stares from Spider-Man and whoever else was in the area. Memories of the haunted house she created at Titans Tower from watching 'Wicked Scary' came soaring into her mind.
"Um, I take it you don't want to watch a horror movie?" Spider-Man whispered as he remembered that 'Timid' spirit so well. "It's okay Raven, we don't have to watch that if you're scared. We could just watch a chick flick."
Raven scowled as even though she secretly hated horror movies she even hated being treated like some baby even more.
"Okay I want two tickets to 'She's All That 2: She's even more than "All That"-"
"No," Raven interrupted as she stepped in between Spider-Man and the vendor, "Two tickets to Wicked Scarier."
"But Raven I thought-"
"Let's go." Raven grabbed the tickets and walked off. Spider-Man shrugged as he tossed a couple of bucks into the slot and slowly followed his tantrum loving 'date'.
"Too cute," He muttered as she walked off so angrily.
( - The Very Scary Movie! - )
Okay do you guys know that scene in a horror movie where they hot busty girl is running away from the killer half naked and you totally know she's a goner? Yes? No?
Well if ya do then this scene would be plenty recognizable and Spider-Man loved every minute of it. Seated comfortably in those theater seats he munched away on his popcorn and sipped away on his soda, his eyes growing larger in amusement.
Of course Raven was the opposite as she shrank into her chair holding back her timid self that was growing in strength. Spider-Man chuckled as his amusement didn't derive from the horror of the film. It was more like its comedy. Horrid acting and pathetic effects like the blood that could be mistaken for ketchup were its faults.
"Raven can you believe this-" Spidey paused his whispers as he felt something wrap around his arm. He paused as he slowly peered over to his right, totally Splinter Cell style.
And with a blink of his eyes to make sure he was seeing things correctly he confirmed that it was indeed Raven clinging onto his arm as she 'tried' to watch the film. Her subconscious emotions were slowly being pulled out and Spider-Man nodded in approval as he just turned to the screen, knowing how exhilarating it must be for Raven to let some of herself out of that shell.
Though from behind the theater sat a figure – a figure dressed in a large dark red trench coat, eyeing our two heroes' every move.
"Yo pops,"
"Yea?"
"Are you there?"
"… No, we're not here." Venom boiled on the other side of the line. "We're at Disneyland."
"Oh, cool. Ya kill Mickey yet?"
"Ugh, just give us a report."
"Report?" Obviously this was our always clueless Carnage in the trench coat. "Um, well they got this hot chick running around half-naked and this monster is chasing her. You should see it man. A lot of bouncing when she runs; ya know what I'm sayin'?"
"The report on our little spider and raven you freaking moron."
"Oh," Carnage finally understood. "You could've just asked."
". . ."
"Well dork boy and his gothy girlfriend are pretty close and cuddly right now. Almost too cute, didn't know Petey boy liked these kind of chicks." Carnage teased.
"We really could care less. Just stay quiet and hidden."
"Dude this is a bitch to sit here." Carnage whispered angrily. "I'm surprised the nerd-couple haven't left yet though because this movie sucks mucho ass. I can't take much more."
"You're not there to watch the movie sombrero boy. Just keep an eye on them. Once they leave, you follow got it?"
"Got it 'chief'," Carnage shut it off. He turned to look at our two budding lovebirds with those shady eyes. What he saw was totally breath taking… or at least to him anyway.
Because they were gone
Everyone was gone
Carnage frantically looked around and cursed himself.
"DAMMIT!"
He muttered angrily as he suddenly stopped to admire something on the screen. Apparently that girl who was supposed to die did indeed die. Carnage watched admiringly as he watched the bloody kill.
"Hmm, cheesy effects aside that was a pretty sweet kill." Carnage made a mental note. "I gotta try that sometime."
( - Outside, On Top A Building - )
"Boy, that movie really stunk eh?" Spider-Man groaned as he and Raven stood looking out to the city streets. The sorceress nodded silently in agreement as she looked out to the night sky noticing Titans Tower. She sighed as she sat down on a nearby crate.
"Uh Raven," Spidey mumbled, "Not having fun?"
"Huh?" Raven broke out from her thoughts and noticed that always blank stare from Spidey. "Oh no, I'm having fu-"
She caught herself mid sentence but Spider-Man already took it as a victory with his teasing whistles. Raven scowled again as she covered herself in her cape.
"Ugh, I think I had enough excitement for one night." Raven said. "I think I'm going-"
"This is really an awesome place isn't it?" Spidey interrupted gently to Raven's surprise. He turned to the view of the bay. "This place is so much cooler than where I come from. Oh yeah,"
Raven's eyes lit up.
It slowly began set in that neither she nor the Titans ever went into that deep of conversation when it came to Spider-Man's past. It was the same vice versa for that matter. Sure, the Titans got the gist that he didn't live the 'oh so fab' superhero lifestyle but the details were quite fuzzy. Raven just had to go deeper out of curiosity.
"Tell me," Raven reluctantly spoke, apparently struggling within her whether or not to delve into this. "How was it where you lived?"
Spider-Man looked up from his admiring gaze and snickered, "You sure you want to know?"
"Do I really have to ask twice?"
"Alrighty Rae, but don't say I didn't warn ya." Spider-Man got up and stretched as he looked at Jump City in a indifferent fashion. "My New York isn't as pleasant as it is here. But then again, I didn't live in the rich happenin' part of town, just some small house in suburbs with my aunt."
"Your aunt?" Raven asked reactively, "… You don't have parents?"
"Nope," Spider-Man answered with a pause. Raven totally related to Spider-Man's parentless past, she herself was given that same fate. Although anyone with a father like hers wouldn't mind being parentless. She bit her lip as the silence grew. Raven knew she had just pressed some buttons that shouldn't have been pressed.
She hurriedly changed subjects, "So, how was the city? Is it nice like the NYC we know?"
"Eh, I wouldn't say 'nice'," Spidey turned to her with a chin scratch. "Well I mean the NYC scenery is nice. But it's the people that live there that are a little bit questionable – thieves, criminals, drug lords… and-"
"Teenagers in spider tights?" Raven smirked.
"Hah, yeah that too." Spider-Man chuckled at the witty remark and sat down beside her. "But truthfully as bad as I'm making it sound? I really uh kinda miss it." he groaned, "Shucks, I think the homesickness is kicking in… yep… yes it is… eh… darn my luck."
Raven smiled at his silly antics only to let out a depleted breath staring at this somewhat somber Spider-Man. She, and the rest of the Titans for that matter, never actually got to see this semi-serious side of him before. Was he opening up to her knowingly? Raven began to believe so.
"Well, I understand how you feel." Raven related. "I get homesick too."
"… Really?" Spider-Man questioned, a bit surprised at Raven's openness - but even then not as surprised as Raven herself was.
"Um, I know I should just assume that you guys all had different homes before you formed the Titans but uh," Spider-Man smiled, "Would you mind telling me about your home?"
Raven paused as she heard his words. She wanted to stop the conversation but for some strange reason she felt as if she owed him something. Actually she knew exactly why. Being an empath Raven felt the anxiety Spider-Man was feeling when he spoke of his past. It was difficult for him… she felt she should at least try to open up as well… or at least partly.
"I uh, lived far away from here." Raven answered as she looked to the night sky. "It was beautiful. The people were peaceful and loving. No one ever fought, no one ever bickered. It was just… pleasant."
"Hmm, sounds like a great place."
"Yes," Raven frowned a bit. "It was.. a great place."
It 'was'? Spider-Man's eyes twitched as he knew he had just touched upon unpleasant memories.
"Raven I'm sorry, I shouldn't be nosing in like this." He slapped his head. "Dumb Spidey!"
"No," She grinned in a reassuring way. "It's only fair. I did do the same to you."
The two shared a pause that was of course broken in half by Spider-Man.
"Heh, well I guess we're just a pair of nosey people aren't we?"
Raven chuckled this time without hesitation. Spider-Man did too as he nodded in approval of her smiling. The laughter slowly faded and Raven just sighed as she looked at him.
"Don't worry about your home. Sooner or later Larry will be back and you'll be on your way back." Raven reassured him. Spider-Man took the comfort with a thumb up.
"Well now that Raven has spoken, I can sleep easy."
Raven suddenly smiled as this alien feeling of admiration radiated from within. She never had a crush on anyone before and hardly did she ever expect to fall for a boy like this.
"Hey, I'm going to ask you a question and be honest." Spider-Man spoke seriously making Raven pause in thought. "Uh, your emotions or your 'other' yous. Their thoughts and desires… is that really the way you feel?"
"What.. do you mean?" Raven stuttered.
"Well I mean all those emotions you hold inside were pretty whacky no offense." Spider-Man looked down as Raven huffed. "But anyway, they all really wanted to see what I looked like under the mask."
Raven didn't speak and Spider-Man just nodded, "Look, I don't do this for everyone but since I did invade your privacy and pretty much scar your mind for a lifetime-"
"No," Raven stated knowing where this was going. "You don't have to."
"I know that." Spider-Man chuckled. "But I want to."
"No, don't." Raven turned not wanting to force him to do this.
"Oh come on I know you're curious." Spider-Man teased. "For all you know I could be some ten eyed freak. Or a Nicholas Cage look-a-like! Come on, you know you want to see!"
Raven just stood silent as she turned reluctantly. Spider-Man nodded, letting out one last sigh before grabbing his mask. He took that neck piece and pulled the crimson façade off his face, exposing the face of Peter Parker. The sorceress froze as she glared at this boy in front of him.
Smooth pale skin, messy mask hair, a cute smile, and a pair of deep hazel eyes later Raven was officially speechless. Peter Parker sighed as he looked at her blank stare.
"You're disappointed aren't you?" He grinned. "Uglier than you thought I'd be?"
"No," Raven shook as she blushed. "… Not at all,"
Spidey smiled confidently. "Sweet,"
"But then again," Raven paused making Peter's heart stop. "I was sort of expecting some hairy skin freak with more than two eyes so,"
Spidey let out a sigh of relief.
"Funny," he laughed as he stared into Raven's amethyst orbs. "Well at least I know I'm not as ugly as 'that' right?"
"Right," Raven whispered as she felt those warm emotions overcome her again. She wouldn't admit it but this nerdy boy was just so cute. His face was so sincere and his charm was so likeable. She was now officially swept off her feet.
Awkward, but nice, was whatSpider-Man thought as he saw a small grin break across Raven's face. She quickly looked away from embarrassment and he just chuckled.
Making her happy was bringing him all sorts of joy. The first time he saw her he thought she was totally cute – of course in that gothic 'I don't conform to anything especially life' type of way. But learning about her struggles with emotions and seeing her finally release them were really bringing things to light. Spider-Man didn't know it fully but he was beginning to feel something there as well.
Mary Jane who?
Felicia what?
Raven slowly peered back as Spider-Man sighed, "So, what do we do now?"
"I.. guess.. we could just head back." Raven muttered as she stared at him again. The two were now inches away from each other and if you listened close enough you might have heard romantic violin music being played.
"Yea.. we could just head back." Spider-Man replied like a drone as Raven's eyes were just that hypnotizing. Yep, purple was a fun color to lose yourself in and Spidey was learning that on the fly for sure and with the attraction at its peak, this night was set to end in that story tale fashion.
The two closed their heavy eyes as they were about to experience their first kiss.
… But some people… no… some 'things' had other plans.
"Aw would you lookie here Cassidy?"
"Yea, it's Parker and Raven sitting on a tree!"
Spider-Man's eyes popped wide open as he heard the voices.
"K.I.S.S.I.N.G.!"
Oh no, Spider-Man thought as Raven too opened her eyes.
"First comes Carnage!"
"Then comes Venom!"
"Dang girl its cold, go put on some denims!"
Laughs from two familiar voices echoed and Spider-Man didn't want to believe it. "Please don't let it be them…" he quickly held Raven defensively as he looked around their surroundings. Raven stared at him as she felt a dark presence around them as well.
"What's… going on?" she asked.
"You, don't wanna know."
Suddenly two dark figures emerged from the shadows and chuckled making Spidey and Raven go back to back. The skinnier one of the two laughed in a more crazed fashion as he slowly came into the light.
"Aw what's the matter Petey? Can't recognize your two best pals?"
"… Cassidy?" Spider-Man glared at the teenage kid in front of him who was in a dark red trench coat and hat, dressed like one of those mafia members in those 'old school' gang movies. "… How did you get so young?"
"I eat my spinach." Carnage chuckled. "Brains can only take you so far Parker."
Spider-Man disregarded his new found youth because plainly he had other things about this 'kid' to worry about.
"Damn, I knew they were here." Spider-Man muttered to himself as Raven turned to him.
"I'm guessing you knowing this guy isn't a good thing?"
"No it isn't goth girl." The other one of the pair spoke now coming into view as well. "We're anything but good news. Isn't that right Peter?"
Spider-Man stood silent as he scowled at Brock who stepped out dressed in all black with a beanie, sweater and jeans that covered his muscular build. Cassidy chuckled at what was written on Eddie's shirt.
"Dude, nice sweatshirt,"
Eddie looked down towards his attire that read 'Death is a Bitch'. Below that of course was a picture of the grim reaper herself in half human and half skeletal form. He looked back and nodded with a smirk.
"Thanks." he turned his attention to our heroes. "Oh come on Parker bro, why do you look so surprised?"
"Yea," Cassidy closed the distance, "Did you think you could just warp a dimension and expect not to hear from us anymore?"
"Well it was wishful thinking." Spider-Man angrily replied as he and Raven stood their ground. The two symbiotes stalked our heroes as he encircled them.
"Heh heh heh, so Parker we see you've got a new girlfriend." Eddie snickered as he eyed Raven who stared angrily. "Purple hair eh?" he turned back to Spider-Man, "And we thought you had a thing for redheads."
Raven already knew that she was going to hate these two - whoever they were.
"Hmm, exotic hair color and gray skin, nice tastes Parker." Cassidy chuckled. "Actually Pops over here is starting to get a craving for girls with pink hair and gray skin. What a small world huh?"
Venom rolled his eyes as Spider-Man turned to Raven with a sigh, "I think we're going to need help."
"Oh you're gonna need more than just help." Venom growled.
"Yea nerd boy, you're going to need a miracle!" Carnage added as the two began that transformation that Spider-Man was all too familiar with. Pretty soon their masks were on with teeth and claws ready to shred as they let that ooze salivate from their jaws.
Raven grew a bit breathless as Venom and Carnage were at their epitome of grotesqueness. She slowly turned to Spidey with a blank and fearful stare.
"They're uh.. cute," she muttered cynically.
"Cute huh?" Carnage laughed insanely. "If you think we're cute now just wait till we're fed sweetie pie."
Spider-Man quickly put back on his mask while Raven's eyes glared white as the two were ready to defend themselves. And with simultaneous hisses from Venom and Carnage, so began the battle for Jump City...
Oh yes people,
Teen Titans vs. The Fearsome Five
Round one!
Ladies and Gentlemen…
Boys and Girls…
LET'S GET READY TO RUUUUUUMBLE!