A/N: Here is chapter six up and ready to go for the weekend. I hope you guys are still enjoying the story even with the reappearance of Terra. Let me know what you think of the weird twist and turns of the latest developments. Strap in and enjoy the roller coaster ride that is this chapter! Once more thank yous are at the bottom.
I do not own Teen titans… well any of the characters. That is the work of DC comics and Warner Bros.
Chapter six: Rude awakenings
A finger tapped at the desk she sat at, an annoyed look across her pale face. He had said he would be back in a 'flash' and had laughed as if he didn't say that every time he left. Seriously that joke was getting old and so far a 'flash' wasn't as fast as he thought it was. Especially since it had been over an hour and was moving on to two. So it was fair to say she was irked and ready for blood.
The front door opened and pink cat eyes moved to watch as the reddish-brown haired boy moved inside, a sheepish look upon his face. She narrowed her eyes and he tried to swallow the lump in the back of his throat. He could tell by the way she was watching him that he had been out longer than he thought.
"And where were you?"
"I got held up." She arched an eyebrow and watched him closely as he moved to the table, setting down a few bags of food. He could feel her mood through the glare and tried to calm it with food. "I got us Chinese! Real Chinese, straight from Hong Kong." She was not amused and he could tell food was not going to fix that. Lately his charm had seemed to be missing its old spark. Of course when you were posing on the front newspaper with two tall and busty fan-girls at your side, you were lucky enough to even be let back in the apartment. That did not mean he hadn't spent the night in the Titans tower to avoid being killed.
"Held up doing what?"
"There was a robbery downtown and then one guy had this little gadget that shot ice at me! ICE!" She raised an eyebrow and he sat down across from her to continue on with his story of heroism. "So he starts skating along, right Slow poke? And he thinks he has me but 'Bam! I'm gone in a flash and running so fast I melt his icy escape." He started digging through the food and separating who got what. A proud smile spread across his face at his own victory.
"After that?" So much for celebrating the victory.
"What? Oh right, I had a few fans who wanted an autograph and I had to book it to get dinner."
"A few… fans?" He tried not to look like he knew where this was going, knowing how it would end. Yelling and him explaining that he was only signing autographs when the two girls had come up and kissed him on the cheek; it was not his fault that the paper was there. Then she would say if he was so fast why couldn't he have avoided it and he would stand there trying to think of something to say only to come up with a sheepish grin and shrug. It had been like this for days and the patience was wearing thin and it didn't help that whenever he did smile it always came across at charming instead of sincere. Some people just have natural charisma whether they want it or not.
"Yeah. I signed a few pieces of paper and booked it out of there." She went to say something but the knock on the door had her growling and cursing underneath her breath. She would deal with him later as for now she would see who it was.
The pink haired girl opened the door and shot daggers at whoever had decided to interrupt her. If he had given out his address to a fan she was going to jinx him for three weeks. Maybe four depending on how the girl dressed. Her eyes went wide at the sight she saw and a blush appeared on her cheeks. Kid Flash had finished dividing the food and was munching on an eggroll as he came up beside the pink eyed teen.
He blinked and nearly dropped the fried vegetable roll as her arms moved to wrap around his neck. Blue eyes darted about, not sure what had just occurred and trying to see if it was a female trap of some kind. Like when a girl ask what's special about her and you say her eyes and she starts yelling you don't find her pretty or that you don't like her personality. When she placed a kiss to his lips though he couldn't help but smile and softly kiss back until she pulled away, smiling up at him.
"Oh you do care! I can't believe you got me flowers!" He arched an eyebrow and glanced at the man in the doorway holding a bundle of roses still in a pot. He went to say something but felt the pink haired girl cutting him off with another kiss of appreciation. "I'm didn't mean to be I on your case so much these pass few days! I just get jealous sometimes, I…er… you know, that word.."
"Sorry?"
"Yeah that one." He chuckled and leaned against the frame of the doorway. She walked over to the tall bulky man, ignoring the way his skin looked a little green. After all she was a sort of grayish color so who was she to say anything. Gathering the roses she started to look for the card but Kid Flash was there in a moment, kissing her cheek and hiding the card behind his back.
"I hope you enjoy them, beauties for a beauty." She blushed and took a small sniff of the delicate pink roses, Kid Flash leaning in to do the same.
"Heh. You're so mushy at times. I'll go give these some water." He smiled and nodded, waving as she walked into the kitchen before checking the card. He knew he hadn't sent the flowers but he also knew that no fans knew where he lived. This meant that either the titans sent them or Jinx had a secret admirer and if it was the lather well he would not be outdone. Blue eyes blinked as he smiled and read, 'Good Job! Keep it up! Always Titans West.' Pocketing the card he walked back over to the table and sat down, he would have to send them a thank you for saving his butt. Soon his better half appeared and took a seat across from him. He smiled to her and she only let a small smile cross her lips as he started to make her a plate of food.
He knew he should have told her and should have accepted the yelling they would return to but he couldn't bring himself to do it. When some higher being sent you a get out of jail free card, you took it. After all. Never look a gift horse in the mouth.
Robin sat in the common room with Starfire by his side and Cyborg cooking breakfast. The last few days had been very hectic with Terra showing up to each battle to cheer on Beastboy. Beastboy seemed to let this go to his head after a few encounters because after awhile he would begin to dance at each small victory. More than once the green changeling had been so focused on trying to impress the blonde that Raven had 'accidentally' let a few attacks slip by her and sent the green teen sprawling out on the floor. Though Robin did not approve he said nothing, simply telling the changeling that maybe next time he should spend more time on the work at hand and not at trying to impress a certain someone.
Starfire finally stopped on a channel dealing with puppets and numbers and Robin could only roll his eyes so not to let her on to the fact he whether be watching something else. Instead of saying a word he stroked the alien princess's hair and when she let out a small squeal of delight he felt his cheeks blush. Lime-green eyes glanced up at him for a moment and they both sent each other a smile. Maybe puppets and learning numbers weren't so bad after all.
The door to the hallway slide open and a gray and red eye moved to watch the young empath move to the counter. By the looks of things she had just woken up. She raised a hand to stifle a yawn and he smiled at his accuracy. She pushed a strand of violet hair behind her ear and glanced over the counter-top to see what the half robotic teen was cooking.
"What's for breakfast?"
"Steaks and eggs!" Raven seemed indifferent to the choice of breakfast and the small lift of her shoulder proved so. Cyborg had a knack when it came to cooking and if it was meat, it would always be good. His pride wouldn't have it any other way. She pulled herself from the comfort of the stool and moved over to her kettle, starting to boil some water for her morning cup of tea.
Once more the door hissed in announcement of another party joining the group and Robin glanced at the violet haired girl to see her stiffen up ever so slightly. She did that a lot lately when a certain green teen was around. He debated on trying to get them to talk once more but figured this was one of those things were you let it run its course. Not that he wasn't keeping an eye on the two every chance he could.
"Morning everyone!" Cyborg smiled and flipped the steaks over as he leaned in to smell the flesh of cow sizzle below him. Beastboy winced and made a face as the smell drifted across the room to hit him full force. "Dude I don't know how you can eat that when I'm right here!"
"Easy. Just wait till they're done!" The green changeling rolled his eyes until he spotted the young empath that had been avoiding him like the plague the last few days. He didn't hesitate as he made a B line straight to her and ignored the groans or looks of 'leave it alone' he got from his comrades. He had been meaning to fix things and now seemed as good as any other time.
Raven didn't know when he had gotten so close but as she turned around she almost spilled her cup of tea all over him. If it wasn't for his speed and the way he caught her by the shoulders they both would have been wearing a new fragrance of boiling hot jasmine tea. Still, being this close to him with the memories fresh in her mind of the last few days was just as painful and she broke away to step backwards.
"Thanks." The word was spoken softly and her eyes never met his.
"… You're welcome… I haven't seen you much lately." She tried not to snort for a reply but the words that left were not much better.
"That wasn't exactly my fault, now was it." He visibly winced and she tried not to show that she cared. Obviously it worked because he stuck his hands in his pockets, trying not to show how his fingers curled into small fist.
"You could have come along… I asked you all the time, even invited you to go somewhere… just the two of us."
"I was busy."
"You were locked up in your room!" The room fall into tension as the words echoed about them. He frowned and tried to rope back in his anger.
"I'm not having this discussion with you, Beastboy." She went to step around him but he moved back in front of her. Everyone braced themselves for something about to explode and wanted to make sure that when it did, they were not on it.
"You can't keep running away from me, Rae! I live here too!" He couldn't help but raise his voice once more and he could see that it was not having much of an impact other than anger on her. Still, he had to try.
"Move." It was not a question, or an answer, but a clear cut command. He felt his bravery waver for a moment but stayed put.
"I will not! You're going to talk to me, Rae! It can't keep going on like this!"
"Move… or I will move you." She hissed out the words and he couldn't help but gulp and stand up straighter. If she was going to throw him through another wall or window, this time he would be ready and right back in front of her before she knew what happened.
"Try it. I'm sick of you avoiding me without so much as a word!" Robin sighed and got up from the couch, moving over to the two before things escalated so far out of control he couldn't fix it. Not to mention he was getting sick of replacing windows and holes in the wall.
"Let's all just calm down and sit down for breakfast."
"I'm not hungry."
"No you rather hide in your room and try to forget I exist!"
"What makes you think I even think about you?!" The words cut deep but he stood firm even as his heart sunk slightly. He couldn't tell what was worse though, the anger he felt or the heartache.
"Why else would you be hiding so quickly after Terra just showed back up?! It's obvious! Everyone can see it!" She growled and if it were not for Starfire floating over to rest a hand on her shoulder, she would have tossed him from the window. Slowly she reigned in her anger and very carefully, moved around the two teen boys and made her way from the room.
Beastboy watched her and started to go after her until the feeling of someone's hand caught his arm. He whirled around, ready to yell but only found sad sympathetic lime-green eyes looking down at him. Slowly he turned around and lowered his head, ashamed at himself. Before anyone could say a word he was running from the tower. The teen boys started to go after him but Starfire held up an arm and shook her head.
"I will go after friend Beastboy. Please boyfriend Robin and friend Cyborg, try to see if friend Raven is okay." They went to say something but the alien princess was already flying out the door after the green teen that had just made his escape.
Starfire found him hunched over on a rock with the stretch of ocean looking out in front of him. With a delicacy of grace passed down from royalty she moved and took a spot next to him. They sat in silence for a long moment, the alien princess staring ahead at nothing in particular as the green teen watched the ground.
"I just… I just want her to talk with me again…" She nodded her head and pulled her knees up to her chest, watching the sun shimmer against the massive body of water.
"I know. I too miss the conversations with friend Raven… but she must have her time to think and heal. It is not our place to rush such a process, no matter the pain we may be feeling on the inside amongst ourselves."
"It just… it just took so long and now I have to start all over…we have to start all over and it's… frustrating Star. It's really frustrating… I mean, I want to be with her so badly it hurts… both physically and emotionally. Physically because she throws me into things but emotionally because well… she's just so quick with her words. It's like trying to fight against an AP english teacher or a monkey that goes to space." Starfire smiled slightly as he still tried to joke, though it was a weak attempt it held some truth behind it.
Finally his voice seemed to crack and he buried his face into his hands.
"What am I going to do, Star… here's one girl who broke my heart over and over and now she wants me back… and she's trying to be with me, trying so hard yet the only girl I want, wants nothing to do with me! I can't say sorry because she won't listen, I can't talk to her because she yells and I can't joke because even I know the time for jokes have past! I mean do you know how serious it is when even I know that the time for jokes has passed!"
The last sentence was spoken with anger and pain laced together in a yell. Some time ago he had started to pace and tug at his hair and now he stood still, glaring out at the ocean for answers. When nothing came he slowly sunk back down on the rock and buried his face in his hands once more, a soft whimper of confusion leaving his lips.
"What am I suppose to do… to make her want me…"
With the touch an older sister does to a younger sibling when in pain the alien princess pulled the green teen into a hug. He didn't want to cry and as a man he would not cry, especially in front of a girl, alien or not. So they sat there hugging one another and she pretended not to notice when his body shook ever so slightly. She pretended she did not hear the quiet sniffles and even as they broke away she made sure to glance out at the ocean, not saying anything as her green friend wiped at his nose and recomposed himself.
"Friend Raven is hurting right now friend Beastboy… all we can do is wait. But know you are not alone, we shall all be waiting along side you." Lime-green eyes glanced to the green changeling and she smiled ever so slightly. "And all of us shall be cheering for you as well."
"…Thanks Star. You're one in a million. Robin is definitely a lucky guy." The alien princess blushed at this and resumed looking out at the ocean, the green teen doing the same as they sat side by side.
Up in the tower, Robin and Cyborg stood outside of Raven's room and waited for her to open her door. Slowly she arrived and poked her head out to see who it was. They said nothing, each waiting for the other to talk and no one willing to breach the very painful topic. Finally it was Robin who spoke.
"Give it time Raven… he'll come around."
"Yeah the boy's been crazy about ya for a long time!"
"Oh yes. Because when I want someone I toss them aside for a an ex. You two are really bad at this cheering up thing." The two teen boys visibly cringed and shifted uncomfortably in their spots. Sometimes it was hard to handle the bluntness the young empath gave off. She went to move back in her room but they would not allow the conversation to end so quickly.
"Beastboy is just confused Raven… he doesn't know what to do because as much as he likes you, you're lashing out at him for something that ultimately was not his fault." She arched an eyebrow and the boy wonder pressed on, Cyborg not even sure where he was going with this. "Terra showed back up, he didn't ask her to… she just did and you did the first thing that came to mind. You shut him out and forced him to choose someone else."
"Robin… are you implying I told Beastboy to ditch me for her? Because I know you're smarter than that and if not, I would consider those words very carefully." The threat made the boy wonder shift and if one looked close enough they could see the sweat building on his brow.
"I just mean… its Beastboy… he's not one to be alone and you didn't…give...him... much of a…chance…" He gulped as the dark eyes narrowed ever so slightly and he wondered how he had got stuck with Raven and not Beastboy. It was easier to deal with guys, you yelled and they yelled back and if you needed to throw punches you did. No one knew why but that's just how guys let go of their anger and that's how they cleared their minds. But no, Starfire had called dibs and now he was trying to talk to a close friend about her relationship issues and was pretty sure this was going to be the last conversation he ever had.
"What Robin is saying… is give it time, don't shut him out just yet." The young empath glanced up at the oldest member of the team and some of her hostility poured out of her. She hated to admit it, but maybe they were right. When it came to Beastboy and Terra, she had always tried to stay clear of them. The earth mover brought out a side of the empath that she did not appreciate and with the new development between her and the green changeling, she had all but cut him from her life when she had came back. Suddenly she felt very tired and this conversation was only draining her more. Sighing she pinched the brim of her nose and tried to force down the headache building in her mind.
"I will consider your words. Now if you don't mind I would like to be alone." The two teens wasted no time as they nodded and quickly hurried back down the hall. Cyborg because he forgot he was cooking and was more then sure it was burned and he had lost his record for perfect cooking skills. Robin hurried along because there were only so many times he wanted to taste his foot in his mouth.
The phone rung through the small hidden Eden in downtown Jump City and eyes the color of fresh leaves looked at it with a bit of confusion and annoyance. If it was another customer she would send them flowers alright. Flowers that drained their energy, stole their wallets, and left a corpse for the cops to be baffled over.
Slowly she picked up the phone and places it to her ear. Apparently the person on the other side had known she was there because she responded without as much as the first party saying hello.
"Hey Red! He got it!" Her eyes perked up and a slow smile crawled its way across her lush red lips.
"Excellent. I'll be right there."
The door opened and in walked Terra with a smile wide across her face. She had managed to wake up early and huffed over to the tower as quickly as possible. The more time she spent with Beastboy, the more time that meant that Raven would not and the more time Raven would not meant the better chance she had. High school may not have taught her much when it came to actual schooling but when it came to guys and other girls; it had taught her everything she needed to know.
Her smile fell somewhat as she saw three titans sitting at the breakfast table, poking at what looked to be a mixture of very burnt steak and eggs. They looked up at her as she cleared her throat and it was Starfire who actually moved over to her, a smile that for once didn't reach her eyes plastered on her face.
"Good morning friend Terra… we did not know that you would be joining us so early upon the morning…" Terra nodded and felt a bit sheepish at coming so early now.
"Yeah I…umm… I wanted to hang with Beastboy. Is he around?" The alien princess looked back at her two male companions as to see what the answer should be. When they replied with a shrug of their shoulders she turned towards the shorter girl and replied the same way. "I see… Well I'm sure he's outside then. Thanks guys. See you later!" She waved and even though they waved back she could tell it was not heartfelt and did not try to let it get to her. After all, it looked like something had happened.
Raven stopped dead in her tracks as the familiar green teen sat on the edge of the roof, seeming lost in thought. If she could simply sneak out the way she came in before-
"Rae?" So very close. Sighing she straightened her back and placed her mask of indifference back along her face before turning to face the green changeling that made his way over to her. "Hey I wanted to-"
"You don't have to. I should not have said what I said, I was in the wrong." He seemed taken aback at this and it gave her a moment to start towards the door again. However she did not get far as his hand slipped into her own and she felt her heart skip a beat.
"Rae…" Though she didn't turn around she didn't move away and that was as good of a sign as any. "You don't have to apologize… I-I was wrong. I was wrong about a lot of things."
"You do not have to apologize simply to appease me or mend this team. I understand lately I have not been doing my duties of a Titan and I know it was childish… it will not happen agai-"
"Damn it Rae, that's not why I'm apologizing! I can take a few extra hits. I've proven that simply by not knowing when to shut up around you." Though she didn't want to, she smiled slightly. He blinked and leaned his head to the side to try and see why the air around her had suddenly seemed less cold. Seeing how he still held her hand and she had not pulled away or threatened his life, he pressed on. "I… I just wanted to let you know."
She turned around and held up a hand to cut him off before he could say anything. Slowly violet-blue eyes glanced up into the deep emerald that could send her into a deep frenzy. She could see all the things he wanted to say in them, how sorry he truly was and even how much he had missed her.
"I don't need to hear it, Beast-"
"Gar… please." Her eyes watched his and he could feel his cheeks blushing slightly.
"…I do not need to hear it… Gar." He smiled from ear to ear and she had to resist the urge to hug him or smile back. "I only want you to be happy… and if that isn't with me I understand. I'm not capable of feeling things like she can…"
"Rae stop it… you don't know what you're talking about." They stared at one another as he tried to find the right words to say. He glanced down at their hands and slowly let his green fingers interlace with hers. When she didn't pull her hand away and he could actually see a small blush on her face, he continued. "You're capable of feeling and I know that for a fact. I know you're scared and I messed up but-"
"Beastboy! There you are!" Both eyes glanced to the blonde girl floating by the edge of the roof on a rock. She smiled and leaped from the floating earth onto the roof. Raven pulled her hand away and his fingers twitched with the remembrance of the warmth they just held. He already missed it.
The green changeling found himself wanting to curse and turned back to say something but it was too late. Raven rubbed the side of her arm and let her eyes move anywhere but on his. Terra approached and wrapped her arm around the green changeling's arm, blue eyes burying into the empath.
"Oh hello… Raven."
"Terra." Though he was not fluent in girl talk, he could tell that those greetings meant anything but the hello's most people meant. If anything, he was certain they were thinly veiled death threats of some kind. "I was just leaving."
"What so soon?" The empath narrowed her eyes and tried her best not to blow the blonde off the roof for her reply.
"I have things to do. Some of us are still heroes." Beastboy let out a small whistle at the blatantly obvious insult and Terra narrowed her eyes. She went to say something but Beastboy beat her to it.
"Who wants to hear a joke?!" Terra's eyes lit up and Raven arched an eyebrow. "Okay! What did one dog say to another dog?"
"I don't speak dog, why not ask Terra." Silence. Even Raven could not believe what had just left her mouth. She had been thinking it but she did not want to actually say anything. It took the other two teens a moment before they said anything, the blonde moving closer to the empath.
"Do you have something to say?"
"I'm pretty sure she just said it." Though he muttered it underneath his breath both girls had looked over to him. Terra looked horrified and Raven looked slightly amused. She always enjoyed it when he took her side over the other girl. The only thing the green teen could do was shrug, blush, and rub the back of his head. "…Sorry." Terra kept watching him, her look slowly melting away to an annoyed looking one.
"Anyway. I'm sure you two want to be alone. Gar. I'll see you later." Raven made sure to let her eyes meet with the blonde's as she said the nickname before sending a sweet smile to the green teen. He could feel his knees go weak and had to try his hardest not to fall flat on his face. As she went to leave she made sure her blue violet eyes landed back on blue and the smirk she wore on her lips said it all. I'm not letting go so prepare for battle.
She folded her arms across her chest and shifted her weight onto one leg, arching an eyebrow at the scene in front of her. She was back at the run down little performance center, standing on the stage as a large circle was drawn against the floor in chalk, white symbols painted randomly here and there. Candles lit up the dark room in a synthetic bright burning fashion, bidding the dark away. In the middle of the circle sat the blue magician, chanting something that she did not care to know about and had no need of knowing beyond the deed that a waited.
Next to her stood the taller woman clad in a red and black jester suit, her head tilted to an awkward angle as she watched on. She was far more interested in this than her redheaded counterpart and the shorter showed by letting out a long sigh of annoyance.
"How much longer, Har?"
"He said it takes awhile to…" Before she could finish her sentence a dark cloud lifted over head and cracked with thunder and lightening, yellowish-white light flashing up the dark room. The flames flickered and seemed close to blowing out but fought for their short life, burning even brighter as the thunder cloud echoed once more.
The two women took a small step backwards not noticing they did. Both watched on looking amazed and slightly excited at the same time. Now this was interesting. The lightening flashed again and shot out across the high ceiling and a large squeal of excitement echoed out with it.
Mumbo chanted away and now seemed to be giving something a message on the other side of the barrier. The thunder exploded and the lightening flashed but still he talked on to an invisible being. Minutes ticked by and the muttering of an old magician and the thunder were the only sounds booming in the room. Sometimes the voice would be louder, sometimes the thunder would drown out all sounds and sometimes the jester's twisted laugh was louder than both.
Finally the scene started to die down the cloud drizzled out to nothing more then the air condition making a soft hiss noise above them. Hesitantly the redheaded woman started to walk over to the still form of the old blue man sitting in the middle of the circle. Her associate was less cautious however and let out a loud squeal, running across the stage to the sitting blue man.
Her arms flew around him and they both went flying out of the circle to roll against the ground until he landed on his back and she landed on her knees. Her arms flailed about and she let out another laugh and small squeak.
"That was amazing! Again! Again! Oh Red! Please?!"
"Shut up Harl!" The words were a hissed command and the jester squeaked and went quiet, pouting to watch from the corner of her eyes. "Mumbo… is it done?"
She could have asked if he was okay but he just figured it wasn't in her nature, after all he was lucky to even be allowed to help such a beautiful creature. Those beautiful green eyes that looked like the leaves in a rain forest, those wonderful full lips that tempted his very nature. Who was he to ask this vision of loveliness to ever concern herself about his health? Coughing a bit he slowly moved to his hands and knees, nodding his head.
"It is…my lady" The slow predatory smile slide across her red lips again and she rubbed her hands together.
"Perfect."
Lunch rolled around and for the first time in a long time, it felt like the old team again. Even with Terra sitting at the table most noticed that the attitude they shared towards one another was like it was back in the day. Cyborg wondered if there was a reason for that but said nothing, smiling as he watched the three sitting together.
They had decided it was such a nice day out so why not go have a little picnic up on the roof since a certain green teen had yet to take anything down other than the sheets. Robin had sent him a look and the green changeling had only chuckled and shrugged, saying he would get to it later. So they sat in the beautiful scenery and let the warm rays of the sun shine down upon them. Orange and yellow reflections dancing across the surface of the ocean.
"So Cyborg, not going to go see Sarah today?" The older teen felt his cheeks flushed and glanced back down at his meal.
"She's with her mom visiting family." Robin nodded and resumed poking whatever Starfire had made for lunch with his fork. He really needed to invest in getting her a cookbook. Glancing to his side he watched as the alien princess made cute baby noises to her overgrown pinkish white little worm. The creature made a noise and moved its legs in answer to if it would like more food. She smiled and fed the creature another spoonful of the large brown glob with extra mustard, the living brown sludge spitting bubbles out at the table.
"I see your cooking is about the same Star… I hope you forgive me but I ate before I came so I'm not very hungry." The blonde girl said as she eyed the food with a bit of fear in her blue eyes and unconsciously pushed the plate an inch away.
"Well that's not nice. Starfire cooked this meal just for you Terra. You don't want to be rude." The empath tried not to show her smile by taking a sip of her drink. The rock wielder glared daggers at her from the other side of the green changeling. Though he tried not to he couldn't help but smile at the very well planed out assault.
"Now Rae…" She sent him a look of indifference and tried not to smile though she could hear Happy and Rude laughing like maniacs inside of her mind.
"What? She did and it's very rude not to eat something that was made just for you." Cyborg was trying not to laugh and the fact he had turned his head away from the table, showed he was failing. Even Robin had to move a hand up to his face to hide a smile. Starfire seemed confused but paid no attention to it, feeding Silkie as the blonde kept glaring at the violet haired girl.
"I don't see you eating it."
"Ah, but she did not make it for me, now did she? And I for one would never dream of eating the guest's lunch before she was able to at least finish her first plate." She picked up her book and started to pretend to read the chapter she had left off in, sipping her tea every now and again.
"No no, I insist. Please go ahead, dig in." The empath only sent her a small glance before turning her 'attention' back to the book in hand, turning a page.
"Now Terra. I may be many things but I am not rude and brought up that way. Please. Enjoy your meal."
"Friend Terra, you do not wish to eat the cooking of the welcome back to life, meal?" The blonde paled slightly as the alien princess sent her a look of hurt across the table. Anyone who hadn't known the princess was sincere would have thought that she and the empath were working together. Not that the other girl didn't take the moment to add to the guilt.
"Yes Terra. Do you not wish to eat the meal Starfire tried so hard to make, just for you?" Beastboy had to take a sip of his drink to keep from laughing. He knew he should have stopped the assault but part of him (okay all of him) enjoyed a well thought out prank.
Raven finally put down her book and turned her full attention to the very trapped blonde.
"It's not that Star… it's just… I mean… I already ate and I just… I-I-I…" Blue eyes widen a bit as lime-green eyes seemed to bury into her soul, hurt and pleading for her to say it was not true. She was screwed. Sighing in defeat she looked down at the plate full of sludge and frowned a little. Slowly she raised her fork to her mouth and watched as the sludge bubbled and popped. She paled even more and the teen boys snickered slightly as she opened her mouth and took the first bite.
Minutes later she was coughing up the sludge into a nearby bush and Starfire was patting her on the back, looking confused. The teen boys were snickering and a very satisfied smirk was plastered on the violet haired girl's face. Finally Beastboy walked over and handed the blonde girl a cup of water that she took and drunk down.
"I use to able to eat that stuff… guess I've been living the good life too long…"
"No one can blame you for that. Water helps though."
"Yeah…" Blue eyes glared at the empath who smirked and raised her eyebrow ever so slightly. Terra narrowed her eyes but it had no effect as the other girl picked up her book and returned to read, sipping her tea.
A little while after the whole Terra prank everyone had disappeared to do their own thing. Terra had gone home to get some medicine and some rest, saying her stomach was hurting. She reassured the green teen that she would back and he had only nodded, walking her to the door.
Raven had tried her best to ignore it, reminding herself that she was just as wanted as the earth mover. She walked down the hall to the kitchen and was startled to find a certain green changeling in front of her, smiling ear to ear. She arched an eyebrow and eyed him suspiciously. That's when he extended his arms and she blinked at what he was offering. A teacup.
"What is this?"
"I made you tea."
"…Why?" His smile fell slightly and he started to shift underneath her gaze.
"I wanted to do something nice for you… I haven't gotten to hang with you since the whole Terra thing and…" She arched an eyebrow at he fell silent, tilting her head slightly.
"And?" He swallowed the lump in his throat and continued.
"And I want you to know my feelings haven't changed…" She blinked and his emerald eyes slowly moved to land on hers. She nodded her head vaguely and glanced back down at the cup he offered. It didn't seem to be bubbling or a weird color. Still, she had lived with the green teen for years now and had never seen him go near a cup or tea. So she took the cup and sniffed the tea slightly. Beastboy couldn't help but chuckle. "It's tea Rae, not poison."
She glanced up at him and arched an eyebrow and he held up his hands, still smiling. Finally after examining the liquid, the tea cup, and the smell she decided to take a small sip. Her face contorted and she wanted to spit it out and scream. Instead she forced herself to swallow it down, coughing a bit to hand the cup back.
"That… was horrible, Gar." His ears dropped a bit and she rubbed the back of her fingers against her lips, trying to wipe the taste from her mouth. Blue-violet eyes glanced up to see he was still frowning. She pushed back a strand of her violet hair and moved past him. "Come along." He blinked and followed after her, rubbing the back of his neck as he set the cup down on the counter.
"What for?" She sent him a look and started to dump out the tea he had made.
"If you ever get this notion in your head again, I rather not have to drink down the abomination you make just to please you." He pouted slightly and she found herself smiling at it. She hated to admit it but for a teen on the verge of adulthood, he really was adorable when he pouted.
"What does that mean?"
"It means, Garfield. I am going to show you how to make tea and how I like it." Blue violet eyes watched his face as he seemed to let this sink in. Slowly the pout faded and was replaced with a wide toothy grin, a fang hanging over his lip.
"So this means… you want to spend time with me."
"Don't push it." She felt herself blushing and he leaned his elbows on the counter, resting his cheek against his hand. She tried to keep from blushing more as he stared at her, still smiling.
"You do! You still like me Rae! You even said that in the future you want me to make you more tea! You like me!"
"Are you going to pay attention or not?" He chuckled and straightened up, saluting the shorter girl in front of him.
"Yes ma'am!" She rolled her eyes and started to work him through the process, the green teen 'accidentally' letting his fingers stroke against the back of her hand once or twice. She would blush and he would blush and then chuckle and apologize. She only shrugged and sent him a small smile. It made his heart light up and he started to tell her jokes like old times. She would groan and he would laugh and keep going. And so it went on until the alarm blared around them and they were off once more to save the day.
"BB be careful!" The blonde cried from the sidewalk as the green teen barely missed the sludge flung at him.
"Geesh! First Starfire's meal and now Plasmas! Someone is in a real sludgy mood today!" Raven rolled her eyes and Starfire only sent him a look of annoyance. From the bad joke or the insult no one could tell.
"I do not think my food is like the oozing of Plasmas friend Beastboy! Friend Terra use to like it very much!" With a wave of her hand the lime green light of the starbolts provided a mini shield to block the sludge from hitting her.
"As much as I love to debate the many things Plasmas and Starfire's food have in common. I much rather finish this and go back to reading." Her arms swung out beside her, the blue cloak spreading like wings from a raven. The black energy roared to life just in the nick of time to create a barrier in front of the empath and the green teen, sludge hitting the black energy.
"Than-" Before he could say thank you, Raven had already jumped up into the sky to avoid being hit with sludge. The green teen was not so lucky. The brown sludge hit him in the face and sent him toppling over backwards. She felt slightly bad but she had thought he was paying attention. Hearing the gasp from the sidelines she didn't feel as guilty and rolled her eyes. He wasn't fragile and he should be use to the sludge considering what his room looked like.
The empath hovered in the air, waiting for the right moment before she charged for the oozing murky blob in front of her.
"Azarath Methrion ZIN-" Her words were cut off as a long arm of ooze flung sideways at her, catching her in the side and sending her hurling into the nearest tree.
"RAE!"
"RAVEN!" Robin barely somersaulted out of the way as the oozing creature brought a leg down to try and catch the boy wonder. He brought his pole out from his belt and the steel instantly grew just in time to catch the blow before it made contact.
Beastboy ran over to the violet haired empath and she held up a hand, using the other to wipe the sludge from her face.
"Well look at it this way… you don't need a mud mask." She didn't laugh and his chuckle soon died. Without a word she stepped into a portal and reappeared in front of the creature. Now it was personal. She sent a wall of black energy to collide with the oozing creature. Plasmas stumbled backwards and let out a low sound that sounded like gurgling before his body shrunk down to a puddle and he fled.
"Titans! Don't let him get away! Titans go!" They all went off to follow the blob. However it was Raven who got there first, looking anything but pleased.
"Do you know how hard it is to get your smell from my clothes?!" The last word was a yell and she shoved her arms out as she chanted her magic manta, avoiding the sludge a lot easier this time. "Azaroth methrion ZINTHOS!" The tree pulsed with black energy as she hurled it against the creature, sending it flying backwards and out into the street. Taking the time to replace the tree back where she picked it up, she made sure it was sitting up right before turning back to the oozing creature. The young empath quickly advanced on the sludge monster, trying her best to ignore the feel of the slush in her hair.
The creature made no effort to run and when she got close enough he shot his arm out to send a wave of mud at her. She barely had time to widen her eyes as it hit and plastered her to the street. She let out a yell and started to struggle on the ground, feeling herself getting annoyed and angrier by the second.
"You stupid! Let me go!" The shouts of her name rung out in the background and she thrashed even harder. She started to say her magical manta but the monster quickly stopped that, covering her mouth with sludge. She tried to gasp but only found sludge in her mouth and could only close her eyes to plead her friends to hurry. This was not the way she wanted to go. Outdone by a second rate monster from the realm of mud. It was enough to die from embarrassment, not to mention the smell was awful.
"Necronom Hezberek Mortix!" White energy pulsed and soon several sets of green eyes were looking up. They didn't look long as the energy swirled and collided with the oozing creature, knocking it a good couple of feet away. Raven gasped for air and coughed up the sludge. She knew those words, she knew that she knew those words and she prayed it was not true. It couldn't have been true. It had to be a prank of some type, it just had to be. Her eyes moved in a snails pace over to the form standing in front of her, one arm held out as he slowly lowered it and watched as the creature dissolved and a man appeared, snoring.
Slowly he started to turn around, the blue scarf whipping and dancing in the backlash of the wind. He was taller than she remembered. The mass of white hair flowed and fluttered with ease back down to reach just past his shoulders. He was dressed in armor with a giant red 'R' in the middle of the silver tin, his arms and legs fully clad in black. Cerulean eyes met with the girl on the ground and her eyes widen in both fear and shock as she started to crawl away from him.
"Mal…Malchior?!" The words seemed to stop her friends in their tracks and even the stranger in front of her looked surprised to hear the name. She went to fling an enchantment at him but before she could move, he had a sword at her throat.
"How do you know that name…?"
"RAVEN!" He brought his free hand up and a dome of white energy erupted around the two. The titans started to pound away on the force field, the boy wonder trying to find an opening. One green teen was more determined than others to get through with force as he pounded and rammed his form against the never wavering shield of white.
She swallowed slightly and eyed the end of the sword. It looked like it could easily pierce her skin and she did not like the idea of not having a head. Blue-violet eyes looked back up at the young man who stood before her. He looked different but again he wasn't wrapped in paper. He looked like the picture on the cover of the book. The image of what she thought he would look like if she had done the spell right. All the memories rushed her and she felt her rage rising over her fear.
"You… You've come to kill me. So be it. But I will not let you hurt my friends!" He seemed taken aback like she had suddenly grown an extra head. The young empath blinked as the white haired teen only glanced about, uncertain what to do.
"Hurt… my dear lady I am not trying to hurt a soul. I simply quest for one named Malchior… you mentioned that name and I want answers. No more, no less. If you know where the dragon can be found, tell me now and I will take my heed of you."
She blinked and when she couldn't think of anything else to do, she blinked again. Her mind had seemed to stop working when the cerulean eyes had showed warmth down at her. It took a moment for her mind to catch up with his words and slowly her head tilted to the side.
"Y-You aren't Malchior?" To this he laughed and she felt herself blushing at the sound and both her embarrassment. Shaking his head he re-sheathed his sword and offered a hand. Slowly she accepted and he tugged her to her feet, the dome of white fading as he caught her in his arms when she stumbled.
Everyone stood still and in silence not sure what was going on and if this man was the dragon they had faced or not. One thing was certain. Beastboy wanted him to keep his hands to himself.
Taking a step back he steadied the girl by her shoulders and she could see the smile in his cerulean eyes.
"M'lady. Are you alright to stand?" The accent of old English made her blush and she nodded her head ever so slightly. He nodded and pulled the scarf down and away from his face, a brilliant smile spread across his features. "I am glad to hear it. I apologize about the sword…" She gave a nod of her head to accept his apology and he sent her another smile, a slight hue on his cheeks.
Slowly the other titans made their way over to the two magical beings and glanced over to the empath to make sure she was alright. Once she had conformed she was alright, just a bit muddy from her onslaught with Plasmas they all turned their attention to the newcomer.
His eyes scanned over the group and he raised an eyebrow at the weird attire but figured they were folk people and said nothing of it. However his eyes did linger on the half robotic teen and the green one. Apparently this realm got along with the elves and by the looks of the other teen, everything. Even though he wanted to poke and prod and ask the half robotic teen what he was, he did not. His master had told him in advance that things in other realms were different and as a visitor you must always be polite.
"Your… friends?" She looked up and nodded her head quickly, the wind starting to blow between them.
"Yes… we're very protective of one another…" He nodded and glanced down at the violet haired girl in front of her. The wind blew again and her strands fluttered around her face until they settled back down out of place. Smiling a bit he moved a hand to wipe a strand of violet hair behind her ear and she lit up like a tomato, something exploding nearby. He glanced in the direction of the explosion before slowly letting his eyes land back down on the girl in front of him. He never even noticed as the green teen took a step closer.
"A sorceress I see… M'lady I do not wish to seem abrupt… but I am on a quest to find Malchior… you mentioned his name, do you know where the creature lays?" To this she started to shift and shook her head and he nodded.
He started to walk away but her hand caught his arm and cerulean eyes were locking on her own. She blushed and Beastboy growled slightly underneath his breath, no one but one person noticed. Blue eyes watched him from underneath a strand of blonde hair.
"I meant to say… he's not here… It's a long story but if you wish you can come back with us and we can explain everything." He seemed to weigh this over and very slowly nodded his head in agreement. "First thing first… do you have a name?" He laughed and rubbed the back of his head, blushing himself now.
"Oh my, I didn't mean to be impolite. How terribly silly of me. Please accept my apologies M'lady. I am called Rorek Ackerley-Durward Wallace Tripp Llewellyn the XXVII, a pleasure to meet you Lady…" Her head seemed to be swimming at such the long name.
"Rachel Roth… everyone calls me Raven…" He smiled and she had to keep from blushing. When he took her hand into his own he bowed at the waist and gently kissed the back of her hand. She felt her knees go weak slightly. This was not good.
"A pleasure to meet you Lady Roth…"
"Raven… please…" His smile grew and his cerulean eyes seemed to twinkle.
"Raven." That was enough. Beastboy broke the moment quickly by moving in to stand in front of the young empath, forcing the two to break hand contact. He didn't care who this pretty boy thought he was, he was getting way too buddy buddy with his Raven, way quicker than the green teen felt comfortable with. He forced the fakest smile he could muster across his lips and stuck out his hand, his emerald eyes challenging.
"I'm Garfield Logan. Everyone calls me Beastboy. Nice to meet you Rory." The wizard only smirked and caught where this was going. After all no matter the time or dimension this was a universal sign that every male learns as a child. He shook the hand with much force as the two male teens seemed to try and size each other up.
"Pleasure to meet you as well Beastie boy." Beastboy narrowed his eyes and Rorek stood firm, a cocky smirk plastered to his face. He would not be intimidated so easily. Raven only looked on from behind the green teen and rolled her eyes. If he wanted to act like an animal he could, she was trying to think where she had heard that name. As she thought it over, the boy wonder and the alien princess moved over.
"I'm Robin and this is my girlfriend Starfire." The alien princess let out an excited squeal and latched onto the taller teen's hand. He seemed a bit taken aback at the action and the very forward contact. Her lime green eyes looked up into his cerulean and he couldn't help but smile at the warmth in them. She reminded him of a little sister.
"Oh yes! Welcome our new friend Rorek!"
"It is a pleasure to meet both of you." The boy wonder chuckled and gently pried his girlfriend's hand off of the newcomer's. He could remember from personal experience that sometimes her excitement could be a bit overwhelming.
"I'm Victor Stone but everyone calls me Cyborg and this little lady is Terra." The blonde waved shyly from her spot beside the oldest member of the team, a blush on her cheeks. She hated to admit it, but the wizard was pretty easy on the eyes. The wizard seemed to catch the blush and smiled, nodding his head ever so slightly.
"Pleased to meet you…Cyborg and Lady Terra." Finally the young empath who had seemed to go quiet some time ago finally perked up. She gasped and pointed at the taller male, easily the same height as the half robotic teen.
"You're Rorek! From the story! You fought Malchior!" Everyone seemed to blink and the wizard could only flash a smile at the smart sorceress.
"Close my dear. Very close."
She blushed again and Beastboy watched the two with a hint of jealously in his eyes. This was not good. The last thing he needed was another obstacle to get to Raven and yet here he was. Fresh from the land of books. Whoever hated him so much out there was in for a long deal of bodily harm. Something was about to give and the way the empath smiled and blushed; he did not like the results.
A/N: It wasn't originally this long but I wanted to add in a Beastboy and Raven moment so I added the tea scene. I thought it was cute. Also I put the scene in where the titans divided and each got to deal with either Raven or Beastboy for a reason. I wanted to show that their relationship with the two have always been more of a motherly or big sister role or father and brother role. I know the scene with Starfire was a little intense but I wanted a sincere moment between the two because out of everyone in the tower, Starfire is the only one who really seems to understand and follow her emotions. Anyway! I'm done rambling! Please leave me a Review! I love your reviews they'll so great to read and keep me going! It's like fuel to the fire!
Wolvmbm: I know! I'm so horrible but it's still fun to read right? =) I always considered Beastboy a little bit of a lady's man personally, I think it's the fact he can make you laugh. I tried to make it seem like they weren't on sides in this chapter, more like moral support which is why I split Starfire and Cyborg and Robin up. And I could tell you but I would have to kill you and I enjoy your reviews too much for that! Also though Slade likes the idea of the Titans going down he likes to also be one step ahead of whatever is going on incase it falls through he has a backup plan. I hope you enjoyed this chapter, even with the surprising (or maybe not) ending. Let me know!
Rraz45: I'm glad you like the story and I'm sure she will. How can anyone stay mad at BB!
sumbunnyluvsu77: Yay you came back! Sorry I didn't update on time like I usually do but hopefully this chapter makes up for it? =)
sinomin: I agree! Stupid Terra! She's only here for the plot though, promise! I'm glad you're enjoying the story and I don't know. It's like when I go back to reread the chapters I add things and then it jumps up like three pages! I hope you still like it, even though it's long.
YoungTitan213: If you're still reading, wow. Thanks for the reviews! I hope the story is still as good as it was from the start.
Please read and review and let me know what you think! Thank you for all my faithful reviewers.