-Passing Judgment: Playing by the Rules-
-While Playing the Jealous Card-
Robin looked over his entire squad and returned to the computer to continue his report when Raven finally came hovering in, "Something strange is taking place in the heart of the Castillo Estate somewhere off the West side of Jump."
Cyborg raised a brow, "The Castillo Estate?"
Robin looked over his shoulder to Cyborg with a raised brow of his own, "You know them?"
"Not personally, but the stories of the owners and their son are great and … suspicious," Cyborg shrugged and walked up to a computer of his own, typing into it and bring up the profile of Terrance Castillo, Amy Castillo, and their only adoptive son Rico Castillo who inherited everything when his parents died in a freak accident. The funny thing about this was … the child disappeared after five years of his inheritance. Raven made sure to bow her head and hide her face from the pictures, and tried not to gape at the portrait of a once happy family of three. Especially of little Rico Castillo … or as she really knew him to be Rico Sanchez …
Starfire brought a hand up to cover over her mouth in order to keep herself from gasping in confusion when she eyed the little boy. His sweet yet mischievous smile and looks of a pure little angel she tilted her head and frowned in distaste, "My … I wonder what has happened to the child … and who lives there now?"
Cyborg enlightened her as he pulled up four new profiles that sent Raven's head spinning at the picture and the names he had given everyone, "A lawyer and his wife and kid, also another relative, a brother to the wife. The Lawyer's name is Francisco Bou, wife Reign Bou, kid Lance Bou, and the uncle Trenton Bou … don't ask why he took the name of his sister's husband, but besides the family of three. This guy, Trenton, he's a natural Houdini. Disappears every now and then …"
Beast Boy eyed Trenton for a moment, his hypnotic silver-eyes, his sly smirk – never a smile – and basically felt his natural charismatic charm. There was no denying it; Beast Boy knew who this slick guy really was, "Hey! Dudes! That's Criss Daniels!"
Raven narrowed her eyes at Beast Boy, but not harshly, just scrutinizing, Rico, Trenton, now Criss … who's X? She thought to herself as Robin questioned Beast Boy to how he figured this Trenton Bou was really a certain Criss Daniels.
"Because, dude! He's a world wide celebrity! The guys a male vision of frickin' Lara Croft! He's the real deal, a Tome Raider, Treasure Hunter … what the hell ever you want to call him! But he's also a hotshot business guy that merged with Bruce Wayne to expand the guy's branch of management towards ancient artifacts! Daniels owns countless Museums, Art Galleries, Historical Monuments and everything in between!"
Robin tilted his head down in thought … Criss Daniels … why does that name sound so familiar … soundlessly to the rest of his team, Robin looked up the name Criss Daniels and when a picture of him came up striking a deal with Bruce Wayne with another young man there as witness, a 'Dick Grayson' as the news print said. Robin gaped, Of course! How could I have forgotten …? He was the only guy Bruce actually thought was a trustworthy true Businessman of sense and morals. Bruce promised him a generous slice of all their shares he declined and requested that his share of the money be split up and given to the many charities and orphanages he owned. The guy was … a true good man despite his age … I had always wondered where he went; Bruce and him never crossed paths after that moment …
True, when Robin pulled way and allowed his team to read up on the newsprint, Raven gulped and stepped back from her team when three different pictures, of supposedly three different people she knew to be all one in the same. Like a thrown jigsaw puzzle mixed with many other puzzle pieces that didn't make sense. Raven felt like she was drowning in confusion and chaos. So many names … so many different lives, with equally different backgrounds … what happened to you?
Starfire moved back to the picture of the child and tilted her head in worry, "But I would still like to know what has happened to the child …"
"Kidnapped?" Beast Boy threw out with a shrug.
Raven shook her head, "His parents died before he disappeared … this was something else … anyway, Robin what has happened in the Castillo Estate?"
Robin looked back at Raven, taking her observation and storing it in the back of his memory bank of considerations he tapped another button on the keyboard and brought up the radar on the Castillo Estate, "I'm not quite sure … but according to this, that Estate had a secret silent alarm that linked straight to the Titan Tower … I don't know if it's a fluke – an accidental calling or something – but troubles a foot."
Raven shuttered trying so desperately to hide the sudden transition she was going through, she discreetly stepped back from the group and shot a hand to the side of her head. Taking in a silent gasp of much needed air that was shaky and shallow she gritted her teeth and fisted her hand when her vision blurred … wanting to fight it, with another shutter she slightly hunched over, when everything was going into a sudden spiral of white hot flashes of light.
Faintly, ever so faintly she heard Robin giving out an order … an order she missed, because she wasn't entirely together. Still most of her was being pulled back to experience another sneak peek into Red X's former life. Her hearing was fuzzy, but her vision was perfect, numbly feeling herself straighten up she felt Cyborg place a hand on her shoulder and heard him mutter something along the lines of, "Better hurry or BB's calling shotgun …"
That was pretty much all she heard before Starfire flew over her head, Robin took off before Cyborg and finally Cyborg with a teasing Beast Boy went after them … leaving her alone in the Common Room for a split second. She stumbled and dizzily took to the air after her teammates. Finally reaching the T-car she hopped on board and within seconds her friends were on their way towards the Castillo Estate. All the while Raven stayed seated in the back seat (Beast Boy took shotgun) and glared out the window where Robin was speeding side by side with his friends.
He seemed to glance towards her general direction and wondered faintly what she looked so upset about to cause her to stare off into space. Not that she doesn't do it every now and then when consumed by her deep thoughts, but this time it was different. The look on her face suggested the same exact look he himself would put on when something didn't make sense, when he knew there was a piece missing to a puzzle he was working on. Raven rarely if ever displays these kinds of expressions because not often does something trouble the sorceress … it had to be a case either of great distress or a life threatening matter.
Either which, Robin had a feeling that it had something to do with her merger with Red X …
It had to be the only other thing on her mind and truth be told she was troubled by it, but it wasn't the reasons she was disturbed … it was what her significant other (she despised this title she found no choice in giving the thief) was going through. Whatever was going on with him to cause such an urgency Raven had a distinct feeling that if she didn't suppress the thief's train of thought so much she'd understand his past a bit more. Yet … call it an excuse, but Raven found that she couldn't fully allow the thief's personality to connect with hers otherwise … well …
She didn't even want to think of the consequences.
Without much delay the Titans came driving up through the dense forest, and the thick groves to come easily rolling through the wide opened gates that lead them down into a smooth stoned driveway. Towards the end of the driveway lined by romantic Weeping Willows on either side, the Titans circled a fountain. A fountain of the Asian world's beautiful yet two of the most powerful creatures facing off and challenging each other for supremacy. One a serpentine dragon and the other a vicious mid-roaring tiger, when the Titans stopped and got out of the car (Robin dismounting his cycle and turning it off) all gathered to gawk at the large intimidating Manor of exquisite taste.
All together it was a very romantic if not pleasantly charming and impressive abode. Snuggled and nestled in the deep parts of the near by forest that surrounded the large estate. Robin looked around to try and find out if there was really anything the matter with the lovely Castillo Estate and so far …
Beast Boy would be the one – in all his ingenious glory to note the obvious, "Dudes … I don't know about you guys … but I don't see anything too bad goin' down."
"True," Starfire nodded and intertwined her fingers together over her heart as she herself looked around with wide innocently naïve eyes, "I see nothing to indicate the trouble of our needing to handle … Robin?"
"Only one way to find out," Robin took a deep breath and braced himself as if he was going into a battle he marched up the steps towards the double doors that reminded him greatly of his former home with a certain someone. Straightened himself out, out of habit he reached up to grab the large lion knockers, but before he got within a foot of the knockers the doors were thrown open. Forcing him to jump back and prepare for anything, his entire team tensed, but it was all in vain.
"Nonononono! Wait! You don't understand! I'm that kid's real fath – AHHH!"
"Get the fuck out of my house!" Cyborg and Beast Boy backed up when the man that was thrown out of the house went tumbling down the stairs, all heads turned up to the pissed off owner of the Manor. Silver-gray eyes blazed a deadly heated shade of malice, never really paying any attention to the visitors he had at the foot of his house, he pointed at the man with a bloody-nose, a broken tooth, two black eyes, and most assuredly a few bruised or broken ribs, "I don't know how you got in, but I'm sure as hell never going to allow it again."
Spitting out blood, the man stood up, glaring at the younger man that kicked him out – quite literally to – he shouted back in utter outrage, "You listen here ya little punk! I have a right to see my son! You can't do this to me! It isn't fair!"
"Oh yeah? Watch me." cocky silver eyes gleamed a deadly challenge that promised revenge, "As far as I'm concerned if you're even found in the same fucking city as Lance I'll have you thrown in jail. How's that for being fair huh? Besides, you're not his real father! You're just some sad asshole looking for a reason to get rich quick, sorry to tell ya stupid, but I ain't as dumb as you look. Now get the hell off my property before I call the cops and have you arrested for trespassing."
Cue in Robin, "How about the Titans?"
Suddenly, the conversation between the men widened to include the five Titans that the two finally realized were around the area. Trenton seemed to suddenly go ridged in mild shock, but his anger was dominantly in favor, so it passed without a problem. Even when he looked directly at a certain sorceress that pretended to glare at the supposed "trespasser" just giving herself an excuse from staring at Trent. Content on watching the older man stand and look as frightened as a little kitten when Robin turned his cold unforgiving white eyes on him, only to demand firmly, "Is this true? Did you trespass on privet property, sir?"
Pale white, the man stuttered, "Uh … well … um …"
"Hell yeah!" Trenton answered for him while crossing his arms still glaring at the man that dared to defend what was painfully obvious.
"No! Wait! You don't understand – my-my-my son … he needs me!"
"Tell it to your partner in Jump State Federal Penitentiary, frickin' stalker, get a damn life!"
Robin heard all he needed to know and nodded for Beast Boy and Cyborg to take care of it. With the signal they shrugged and got a hold of the man that kicked and tried to get free, but it was no use. Unless they were a super villain, no regular civilian could out wit a Titan. Taking him to the T-Car they put him in the back and handcuffed him, leaving the Manor for Raven, Starfire, and Robin to take care of. Robin, taking a deep breath turned to Trent and sized him up, raising an inward brow when the civilian appeared to do the same. "Is that man really … um … the kid's father?"
Trent narrowed his silver eyes and scoffed, taking care to never glance over at Raven or Starfire least he give himself away. He still had to figure out why the Titans were at his door step. It appeared to him that no matter what he did he couldn't shake'em … was Jinx right? He inwardly shrugged at the thought and snorted, "No. I know who Lance's true father is; he's an asshole, but not a damn stalker. This wouldn't be the first time this has happened … my sister, she's … a famous person so to say."
Robin nodded in understanding, "Famous? How so?"
"Oh the usual," Trenton shrugged, "Model, actress, accomplished fashion designer, president and founder of a little brand called Saint Secret."
Starfire yelped in shock, Robin looked back when she jumped and started to ramble in an excited tone, "Oh! Goodness! You're sisters the founder of Saint Secret! AH! I feel so honored to be talking with you then good sir! She has made all the lasted, greatest, and more admirable clothing to this Earthen date!"
Trent smirked slyly and winked, "I'll be sure to tell her she has a fan."
"Oh please do!" Starfire clasped her hands in prayer and levitated off the ground to float over Trent who's grin only widened when Robin seemed to dislike her admiration of this mysterious guy.
Trenton decided to have some fun and ran a finger under her chin to earn him a deep blush when the princess pulled away, "Stick with me girl and I'll be sure to give my sister a little hint on who to test out her latest projects on … you got the body, you should flaunt it."
"Oh," Starfire's blush deepened, "I don't think I can allow for such a pleasure …"
Raven in the background crossed her arms over her chest and looked off without a care for fashion or the jealously/amusement/excitement that was swirling in the air. Looking at her nails to try and settle her boredom she sighed and looked up to Robin who cleared his throat, "Um … yeah, speaking of you sister, would she be the one to press the silent alarm within your home to the Titans?"
Starfire floated back to her feet, her bright, large, and ever so deep red blush still present. Trent chuckled and looked back at the agitated Robin then shrugged, opening his mouth to answer, he got the shock of a life time when he felt his nephew come up from behind him and answer, "No … I did … I found it a while back and so I pressed it when that man was roughing my mother up … I hope I didn't bother you … I won't do it again …"
"Lance," Trent narrowed his eyes in warning and the child obediently gulped and stood back from the entrance when his uncle's scolding tone snapped at him, "I told you to stay with your mother … where is she?"
"Right here," looking up at the beautiful Latina sister of his that moved him out of the way and opened the doors wide enough to allow for the Titans to come in, she smiled as best she could and ushered them inside, "don't mind my brother, he's kind of a nut-job."
Trent sneered, "Just be glad this nut-job actually takes time to take care of you when that husband of yours is away."
Reign glared warningly at Trent, "Shut it kid."
Raven couldn't help to cough a tiny laugh that Trent heard; looking back at her in mild-shock, her violet eyes under her hood sparkled humorously at him. Gritting his teeth, he glared down at his sister and tried to hide his embarrassment, "Who's the kid when I'm clearly taller than you, shorty."
"Maybe so, but you still act like a whining brat," Reign snickered and Robin couldn't help to clear his throat and try to hide an unavoidable smile. Starefire on the other hand was neither amused nor humored when her idol to the fashion world was standing right in front of her.
Starry eyed and excited beyond belief she rushed up to Reign Bou and clasped her hand in hers, the move startled the older woman who jerked her head back and eyed the Titan as if she was an alien from outer space. Which, would be a terrible simile considering Starfire was an alien princess from outer space … small universe. "You … you wouldn't happen to be the human woman genius that has created the most adoring clothing line of this human world, Reign Bou of Saint Secret … are you?"
Reign blinked, then blinked again and looked back at Trent who scowled unmerciful at her and snorted then childish turned his head away with a pout. The move didn't go unnoticed by the Raven and she found herself trying to hold back a roll of her eyes and the impatient tapping of her toes. Biting down her tongue to keep from questioning the thief she knew that was walking among the Titans within in his home – so nonchalantly too! She didn't know whether to be insulted or confused at the leisure ness of his attitude toward something so … so damning as this!
It was literally a slap in the face!
And to make thing's worse, Starfire admired his sister, oh the irony in that!
"Um …" Reign gulped, chuckled nervously then patted the young princess on the top if her head, "Thanks cutie, but if you wish me to continue with this issues you're gonna have to let go of my hand doll-face."
Raven gave a dry look, Nicknames must run in the family … she thought dryly enough to herself as Reign finally lead the three Titans, her kid and Trent into the near by parlor room where she offered the Titans a seat on the black leather couch. Trenton, in the background walked towards the bay-window and stood to glare out the window … Raven may have thought he was nonchalant, but really he was nervous as all hell. Trying not to direct his frustrations on Lance's decision on pressing the silent alarm, he figured the kid hadn't a choice.
Seeing one's beloved in danger often times causes one to act irrationally.
With a glance towards Robin and Starfire, noticing that they were paying close attention to the story Reign and Lance were telling of the break in, he shot a look at Raven and locked silver with violet. She … as well as he … were both too absorbed with each other to care about the matter at hand, it had minimal meaning compared to the matter at the back of their darkened minds. Reading each other's eyes, feeling one another's vibes, and knowing exactly what the other wanted.
Raven broke the connection and turned her attention back on Lance who nodded, after his mother told them about the break in at the North Wing section of the Manor, "Yeahuh! And then – and then – and then Uncle Trent came around! He took care of everything after that!"
"What exactly did your Uncle do?" Robin questioned, being the detective he was, following protocol, Trent, impatiently tapping his fingers on the wall he was leaning on rolled his eyes and finally spoke up.
"You saw for yourself what I did to that pathetic excuse of a human being," he sneered, "why you gotta ask the obvious?"
Robin prevented himself from scowling in irritation he honestly didn't like this guy's attitude, it was rubbing him off the wrong way. Cocky, cheeky, arrogant, brash, crass, crude, and altogether a mess of trouble, Robin was having trouble even picturing that this guy could be the one that Bruce Wayne held in high esteem … they couldn't be the same guy. Criss Daniels not only had morals, but he had an insight to the world of the unfortunate, he cared about what was happening in the world where poverty stricken nations were concerned.
Trenton Bou?
He seemed like the kind of guy that could give less of a rip!
No, Beast Boy had to have gotten Trenton and Criss mixed up … there was no way they could be the same guy … sure they may look the same, but appearances could be deceiving.
If Robin only knew to think a little deeper, a little darker, and just a tad bit trickier.
He'd finally solve the case of Red X … but if he did, then there wouldn't be a story to go on if that tragedy were to happen.
So in response to the hidden truth, Robin took a deep breath to control his agitation and answered, "Just trying to be sure of the story here, and since we're at it, how would have the suspected stalker enter the Estate to begin with? I have a layout of this place stored into the Titan radar and by my understanding there has got to be … what? 5 … 9 … 13 checkpoints, am I wrong?"
Reign shook her head, "No, you'd be right, and frankly I'm as puzzled as you are … Trent, care to throw in your two cents?"
Trent scoffed, "I hate to say I told you so sis, but … I told ya so. There are 13 checkpoints surrounding the outer perimeter of the Estate, but there's a loop hole … in between each checkpoint there's an area that remains unguarded for five minutes … tops. Hop the fence and race across no-man's land and dive into the bushes and your home free. I told you the 13 wasn't enough, but did your husband listen to me? No."
"So where is this husband of whom you speak?" Starfire questioned curiously.
On the side Reign flicked her wrist and answered offhandedly, "Off in Florida working some big case … but anyway, I really have to say thank you for coming when you did. This has been happening more and more often and I'm afraid for my boy, you see, I have to leave off for Egypt tomorrow and remain there for a solid month for a little business, and it's not that I don't trust my brother … but … I'm … worried."
She's acting … both Raven and Trenton thought at once, and for a split second they both heard one another's thoughts, looking at each other, Raven raised a discreet brow and Trent turned back to his sister. Wondering just what kind of game she was playing at here.
Robin and Starfire, oblivious to the actress's talent pressed on innocently enough, Robin asking considerately, "What exactly are you implying … Mrs. Bou?"
Reign looked to the designer rug that covered the parlor room floor and sighed, "Oh I couldn't impose … but I was wondering – if it's not too much to ask that is … could you … maybe lend a service to look out for my boy while I'm gone? I'll pay whatever price you name."
Raven and Trent said at once, "A bodyguard?"
Instantly, Raven shut her mouth and cast a shadow over her eyes from Robin's suspicious glance. Trent cleared his throat and stepped up from the bay-window, "A bodyguard? Reign? That's not necessary, you know I can take care of Lance myself, I've done it before!"
"Yeah," Reign shrugged shyly, still keeping her eyes to the ground, wrapping an arm around Lance, the kid leaned into her and looked over at Raven wondering quietly to himself if she would be the one to stay. His uncle had already shown interest in her earlier that day, and she seemed alright … for a witch. It would be fun to have a Titan around! And knowing his mother … Lance knew she had her ways to make it happen, "and like I said Trent, I trust you … but this is more so for Lance's protection …"
Robin frowned, there was something about this idea he didn't like … something at the back of his mind was scratching and thrashing about trying to be heard and understood. The warning signs went off in his head, there was something wrong … but he just couldn't put his finger on it. All he could come up with was the fact that this woman was just another scared rich girl that thought she could get anything she wanted through money … yet … she had a kid.
How could he say no to this?
Unless he had an ultimatum … did he have one?
He thought for a moment and came up with nothing … it would seem … that the choice wasn't his to make, if this woman had something up her sleeve by having a Titan around, she was doing a damn good job at disguising the dangers. Despite Robin's thoughts of warning, gut instinct, and disagreements going on in his head, he looked around at the two Titan girls that accompanied him, then back at Reign Bou and sighed, "Um … look … I don't know if asking one of us is such a good idea, I mean, we're the Titans. Whether we like it or not, we attract attention, most of them bad … I don't think that's very safe."
Reign nodded, "True … but it's only for a month, and I'd still feel more secure with having at least one of you around."
Robin reasoned, "How about this: for the month you're gone we come down to check up on everything … 3 days a week. Sound good?"
She was losing; Lance took his cue and looked up at his mother, "Mommy … is that man coming back again?"
Reign frowned and hugged her boy tight, "Oh don't be so scared my boy … no one's gonna hurt you …"
"But he hurt you …" Lance glanced over to Robin with a pleading tone and puppy dog eyes he gulped, "… just a month, I promise, I won't do anything bad. I swear it."
Robin fought back the urge to give in, Raven kept herself from screaming in outrage at the scene before her – they were so conniving that it was even fooling Robin. Where as Starfire, long since cracked, stood up in defense for the child and mother, pleading with them to her leader, "Oh Robin, don't be so cruel! One Earthen month is not much … I'll volunteer myself if I must to see to it that the child is well taken care of."
Trent chuckled, his silver eyes flashing a dangerous gleam of promising thoughts, "I second the notion," he said with an equally dark tone.
Robin scowled and stood up, his jealousy getting the better of him, "Actually, I was leaning more towards the idea that Raven might be the one to stay with Lance … she's more experienced with kids anyway."
Raven blinked, "… Excuse me? What did you just say?"
"Melvin, Timmy, and Teether … remember?" Robin answered as Raven slowly got to her feet controlling the undeniable feeling of slapping Robin right across his face for even daring to come up with an excuse, "You did great with them … watching Lance won't be any different."
"Robin." she replied in a low, very frustrated tone that held back raging thoughts and dangerous urges. She glared into his masked eyes and pinned his soul to the far wall, "Can I speak to you for a moment … alone."
"…" without saying anything Robin stepped out of the parlor with Raven, both of them never caring about the odd looks they were getting from Reign, Lance, Starfire, and Trent who in the back stood grinning like the Cheshire Cat, Oops … did I start something?
--
The moment Raven closed the door, Robin turned to explain himself, "Raven, hear me out –"
"Save it." she snapped back in her passive, yet clearly upset tone of voice, her violet eyes flashing disappointment, rage, and pain. Once believing that they were best friends of sorts, she now understood that the mere idea of them being best friends was impossible. It was painful to believe that Robin … dear Robin had betrayed her friendship, and when someone betrays Raven, it comes back a thousand fold. Concentrating on anger, she forced on rage more than pain and disappointment; just to help her get through the nasty realization of what had accrued in the parlor not too long ago. "You let him get under your skin, every time Starfire comes up, it gets under your damn skin like a jealous little school boy. This is why having relationships when your occupation as a hero is a dangerous thing."
Robin fought back, "Raven, don't lecture like I don't know alright. Cause I know what you're trying to say all too well, but this has nothing to do with Starfire's and my relationship –"
"Oh? It doesn't, does it?" Raven gritted her teeth, she focuse on anger and rage was working, it was consuming the ache in her heart, "Not too long ago you were trying to get us out of the body guarding business and then the next thing you know, specifically after Starfire volunteered to do it, you change your mind and take a complete 180! Actually having the audacity to sacrifice me just to keep your girlfriend! Very professional Robin."
"You know, if you don't wanna do it, fine! Let Startfire take the job and see if I care!"
Raven scowled in disgusted, "Too late, the damage is done. I'll suffer the unbearable task while you keep Starfire all too yourself."
With a flick of her cape she turned to reenter the parlor, but Robin wasn't through with her yet … not by a long shot. Reaching out and grabbing her elbow, he roughing yanked her back and forced her to face him. Never once did he shutter at her suddenly vibrant glowing white eyes that glared at him warningly. He was only glad to return the favor with a challenging glare that – to Raven – seemed as if he knew something about her that would finally shatter the trust she had built with him, "You're jealous of us … aren't you."
It was more a statement than a question, and Raven's power dimmed down in shock … not believing what she was hearing she yanked herself around from his grip and without warning sent a harsh deserving SLAP right across his face. Never expecting such a move, Robin kept his head to tilted to the right and blinked dumbly while Raven balled her hands into fists, her breathing shallow and her stance ridged. She really looked like she was desperately trying to hold back from plowing her leader into the ground.
Her heart hurting worse than the red mark that was beginning to form on his left cheek the silence between them was thick and heavy with tension. With only Raven's ragged breathing to hear, Robin looked down at the sorceress and held his breath when he saw a tear come down her cheek. Through gritted teeth and held back emotions she hissed, "Don't ever presume to think you and Starfire have something that I want."
Shakily she brought up the same hand she slapped her leader, her once best friend, and now current thorn on her side to angrily wipe her tear away, wishing that Wrath would consume her. It was so much easier to be angry, to be mad, and to be enraged about the insults Robin had practically spat into her face. Instead … she was greatly hurt … so hurt … so saddened that it had come down to this … Just face facts Raven … she thought to herself as she slowly turned and opened the parlor door to return to the gathering. Composing herself and betraying no emotions, she kept her head bowed submissively and shielded her watery vision from prying eyes.
A shiver shot up her spine when she felt Robin come up from behind her and stiffly move to address the team in an equally stiff and very indifferent tone. Definitely far different than the heated annoyance he had earlier … keeping things short, sweet and simple he took a deep breath and nodded, "Raven's agreed to stay and watch over Lance … for as long as she likes …"
Trenton raised a brow, "… for as long as she likes …"? That's like saying she doesn't have to go back to the Tower … which would also mean she doesn't have to continue being a Titan anymore … mm-mm-mm … whoever said birds of a feather flock together. Keeping his amusement to himself he watched as Reign lead Robin and Starfire back out to the exit, with Lance in tow. He was the last one to close the door behind him and to see Raven unceremoniously plop down on the couch, slightly hunched over with her shoulders shaking. A forbidding feeling in his gut told him that she wasn't laughing and before he could decide whether or not he should stay to console her.
His mother called to him, and he followed.
Raven sucked in a long shaky breath, willing away the pain, she gulped and shook her head, whispering loud enough for Trent to hear after Lance had gone and left, "You happy now …? I'm all yours …"
"As much as I like the sound of that offer princess," Trent moved from the bay window to stand in front of her, slightly bending over and reaching a hand to curl a finger under her chin in order to lift her head up to see her face. He smirked almost lovingly with that same arrogant glint in his silver eye; Raven moved her head away from his touch and stood up from her seat on the couch to retreat from the thief. Bad enough he was probably feeling what she was going through. Why should she give him the liberty of seeing it first hand just to mock her? "That was all my sister's doing … if it were my way, I'd have gotten rid of you and your little friends as fast as humanly possible. I can still convince her to let you go, I know how much you don't wanna be here, and I despise the fact that I have to share the same roof with a hero."
"Well live with it," the sorceress snapped over her shoulder harshly, "because I'm not going back to the Tower … at least not now …"
Trent grinned and chuckled amused at the display of theatrics Raven put on, "You know … whatever the kid said to you … he don't mean it. You know as well as I do he don't mean half the things that comes out of his mouth."
Raven snorted and pulled back her hood, seeing no point in hiding her face anymore she glared at the thief as best as she could. Already emotionally exhausted she sighed, "The same could be said about you … but then again, what do you know about Robin?"
"If the same could be said about me, then I know a lot of things about him."
With another sigh, Raven scoffed and flicked her wrist dismissively, "Coming from you, it sounds so easy when we both know it's not that simple."
X's grin widened, "Don't try to see things in black and white sunshine, you gotta add some color in your life … a little red couldn't hurt anybody."
"Maybe …" Raven blinked slowly, then looked over her shoulder to the grinning thief and sneered, "… except red isn't my color."
--
Disclaimer: I don't own the Teen Titans, I own everyone else, but not the Teen Titans.
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