Teen Titans Fan Fiction

Disclaimer: I do not own Teen Titans, its Production Company, affiliates, and sponsors. Everything is fictional and any similarities between the characters and any living person are purely coincidental.

A/N: Welcome my friends to Part 4!!! This will deal with mainly the build up to Part 5, but nevertheless, I hope you continue to read on and enjoy reading this as much as I have enjoyed it. I hope you will take the time to R&R as you feel it necessary. Let's get it started!!!!

Legend -

Normal Font: Basic read and insight.

Bold: Change of location or time.

Italics: Individual thoughts and recollections.

SACRIFICE

Joker's been defeated, Terra is back as all 6 Titans are finally reunited. What new challenges await our heroes as Robin goes shopping with Starfire and Beast Boy's date to the movies with Terra?

Chapter 23 - The Date, Take 2

Jump City's shopping mall, it's filled with all shops for anybody and everybody! With 3 food courts, 25 major department stores, and even a stage area for whatever the season may be. With all it's newest technological advancements, Jump City's mall is, like its city, on the rise. In the winter, the stage area was covered in ice, so patrons could ice skate at their own leisure. This time around, it was used as a main stage area, where youths could enter and dance at their own pleasure. Our story continues at the main entrance, with Robin and Starfire both not just enjoying each other's company, but the area around them as well.

The mall was a very happy place for Starfire. On some occasions, it was her own personal sanctuary from all the madness and chaos surrounding her life. She liked visiting the music stores, the hair salons, even the food court. This was one of her favorite places in the entire world. Robin, having being there with her, only made the nostalgic and tranquil feeling within her grow. She really did like that Robin was here with her, now she could show him everything that she liked to do in the mall. It was her chance to show him a different side of her that he had not seen, and Starfire wanted to share all of her feelings and emotions with him now more than ever before.

Robin, on the other hand, only enjoyed a few shops within the mall. He found the automotive shop and the electronic hardware stores his main preference of places to go. If he was ever hungry, any one of the food courts was more than suffice to fill his stomach. Robin, however, was not here just for himself. Starfire had wanted for them to go to the mall together, and he would see with his own eyes, another part of Starfire that he would undoubtedly love as well. As they both walked into the mall, Robin looked around at the sight before him. The mall was truly extravagent, several stories high, with shops on almost every end. He didn't have much time to take all of it in, though, as Starfire had pulled him towards one of her new favorite stores, the chocolate candy store.

Robin saw in amazement of what he had been missing out on. The chocolate candy store was truly something remarkable. It was its own little chocolate factory, you could smell many different kinds of chocolates as you walked into the store. Behind the counter, there were several mixers, each having a different kind of chocolate. One of the main things the store prided itself on was that on every hour, they would take off the mixing utensils and allow anyone in the store a free sample of the chocolate. The owner of the shop was behind the counter. It was apparantly a slow day as there weren't many customers in the shop at the time. As his eyes met with Starfire's, he smiled and motioned for the two to come to the counter.

"Well if it isn't my favorite red-headed superhero?" the owner smiled as Starfire came and bowed before him. Robin saw a poster with the owner's picture and his name underneath it. It was Arthur Umbringer. Athrun wasted no time as he extended his hand to Robin, and the two shook hands.

"Friend Umbringer, I hope you are doing well today! I have brought my friend today, this is..." Starfire was about to introduce Robin, but she was cut off by Arthur.

"Yes, Starfire, I know who Robin is. You've only described him ten thousand times since you've been in my shop." Arthur smirked as Starfire's cheeks suddenly went red.

"Sir Umbringer, I must say, I am amazed at what your shop looks like. I could smell the chocolate as soon as we walked in." Robin had motioned back towards the doors as he finished speaking.

"Please, call me Arthur, and yes, that's something I pride myself in...good and I do mean, very good chocolate. You won't find anything better elsewhere, I can guarantee you that!" Arthur was very proud of his work, and with very good reason, as he unsnapped two mixers and handed one to each of the Titans.

"Go on, try it! Robin you've got... mint chocolate and Starfire you've got the new strawberry filled chocolate batch." Arthur examined each before handing them over. Arthur was smiling as both licked the mixers clean. Starfire especially was overzealous of hers, Robin hardly showed any emotion out in public. Arthur knew that Robin was enjoying it though. He had licked his mixer clean.

"I heard about your triumphant victory over Joker, dear boy, my brother was indeed right about you." Arthur winked at Robin as he mentioned his brother before continuing, "My brother's name is Frank, he said he met you when the Joker first struck the city."

Robin nodded as Starfire had tried to recall the events of that night. She remembered how the night had started, it was when Robin and her last had a public appearance together, at the Gotham City Carnival Extravagenza. Her mind flashed forward, through the roller coasters, haunted mansions, and even the ferris wheel, but she played it back a bit slower in her head before moving on. She remembered Danny, the man who was first attacked by Joker's gas, and then she remembered the ambulance.

"Your next of kin is the rescue worker who took the others to the place where they take sick people, correct?" Starfire asked Arthur. He confirmed it with a nod, and smiled back at her as she was happy she had figured it out.

"Tell me friend Arthur, do you happen to have anything new ready to purchase yet? Your last batch filled with the butter of peanuts was most enjoyable!" Starfire exclaimed. Visiting the chocolate shop was one of her favorite places to go, and Robin now understood why. It brought her some happiness and he saw that she really was starting to learn some of Earth's customs.

"Oh, I am so glad you asked!" Arthur exclaimed as he pounded his fist into his hand. "I remembered what you liked from one of your last few visits and I came up with this. Please wait here a moment." Arthur finished speaking and walked into the back rooms of the store. He appeared a minute later, and set a small box down onto the counter.

"This is my new masterpiece." Arthur opened the box, exposing a truly magnificent sight. It was a chocolate cake, but had the decorations to match any artwork known to man. Several bright pieces of candy were specially aligned in frosting of shining red, blue and green colors. At the end of the cake, Arthur had specially designed a small T, which looked exactly like Titan's Tower. Robin hunched down a few inches to look closer at it. I'm not much of an art buff, but I can tell this is something fantastic.

"Arthur, this is...this is..." Robin was trying to find the right words for it. Even the most glorious words in the English language could not do this cake its due justice. Starfire instead, helped him out by finishing.

"Truly a most wonderful, glorious and fitting piece of artwork." Starfire was equally, if not more so impressed with Arthur's work.

"My friends, this cake is for you..." Arthur pushed the box slowly towards the two of them. His actions surprised both of the Titans, but only for a moment as they regained their composure.

"Friend Arthur, I can not accept this! It is too..." Starfire was now the one trying to find the right words now, but she could not think of anything to say.

"Take it, my friends, I designed it with all of you in mind. I know my brother would be happy to see the two of you taking it as well..." Arthur closed the box and Robin took it without another question. It was no use, they were leaving with a masterpiece.

Having felt truly honored and humbled by his gesture, both Robin and Starfire bowed and then smiled at Arthur as they left the chocolate store. Arthur waved to both before calling out to Starfire once more.

"Hey Starfire! Make sure you come in next week! I'm unveiling a new twist to dark chocolate!!!" Arthur shouted as he waved both of them farewell. Starfire smiled back and waved as well before rejoining Robin. They both were now happy to be part of the experience. They had a new cake as they continued to walk down the mall.

Meanwhile, at the local movie theater...

Beast Boy and Terra were also thoroughly enjoying the day. Beast Boy was going to take Terra to the hottest movie ever, Samurai Showdown 17: The Return!!! Terra giggled and laughed as Beast Boy was explaining the movie details to her while they walked up to the cashier. If you were a samurai movie lover, this was the movie to see. It had everything from action to suspense to mystery to romance. Terra was happy to be in the current moment with Beast Boy. She wasn't quite sure if she was going to remain a Titan, but for the time being, spending time with Beast Boy was enough.

They both had soon arrived at the theater. Posters showing movies of all sorts from action to comedy to romance to drama were all shown. Showtimes for all the shows were displayed electronically underneath. Samurai Showdown 17: The Return, had 24 showings in one single day, easily the most of any of the others. Beast Boy was right, the movie was supposed to be a mega hit and the media had also hyped it up.

Beast Boy ran up to the counter. After exchanging money and explaining why he was green to the cashier, he finally returned with two tickets in hand. He gave one to Terra as they both walked into the theater. Beast Boy ran up to the food concessions and came back with a large bag of popcorn, various kinds of candies, 2 soda pops, and even some nachos. Terra giggled as Beast Boy struggled to carry it all.

Beast Boy looked at Terra and with a half smile, said confidently, "Aren't you going to get anything?"

Terra punched his shoulder, and caused him to drop several bags of various candies. Beast Boy smiled to himself and bent down to pick up some of the lost items. Terra soon joined him, but she stopped when she came across a certain package. It wasn't anything particularly extravagent, it was a candy package. Terra picked it up and read "Jolly Jack's Jawbreaker's" on the package. She looked up at Beast Boy, who had finished picking up everything and was now looking down at her.

"Jawbreakers...weren't they your favorite because they were the strongest?" Beast Boy had hesitated in asking. Terra looked back at him and smiled. She grabbed his arm as they both entered the movie theater. The voyeur that had opened the door for them shook his head, he wasn't entirely sure, but he thought one of the patrons was green and had a fang. He instead shook his head and cleared his thoughts as other people had entered.

Terra and Beast Boy started glancing around the theater. Almost all the seats were taken, and the ones that were open, weren't together. Beast Boy sighed, but Terra nudged him a bit. Beast Boy watched as Terra took a piece of Earth from underneath both of them. They both were soon up in the air, low enough where they could see the movie, but high enough so that they wouldn't disturb the other people. Beast Boy was the one who punched Terra's arm. They dropped a couple feet before Terra regained control and lifted them back up. The opening previews had finally started, and Terra leaned up against Beast Boy's shoulder as they both started to watch the movie. I'm glad you asked me to come, Beast Boy, thank you...

The opening credits came on a few minutes later. Beast Boy, along with a small portion of the audience were all cheering as the name "Samurai Showdown" appeared on the screen. Beast Boy pointed to the several things throughout the movie that he had mentioned to Terra. She nodded as she understood everything silently. They both giggled and continued to watch.

Back at the mall with Starfire and Robin...

Any signs that either Starfire or Robin were nervous about going to the mall together had long since vanished. Arthur, the chocolate shop owner, had made sure of that when he gave them both a masterpiece of a cake. Starfire had continued to show Robin her favorite shops. In each one, there was a worker, manager or owner who knew Starfire and was always glad to see her.

They visited a popular pet's store, where Starfire bought her food for Silkie, her large larva sized pet. Inside the storekeeper recommended something to help keep Silkie from eating through the walls and floors by recommending some toys. Starfire was eager to buy them, but Robin slapped down a credit card before she could. He was apparantly as eager to have Silkie stop eating his weights and floors to the Tower.

They both continued onward, first to the music store, where Starfire received an advanced copy of a hit band from the manager. Then it was to the video store, where Starfire rented several videos, most encompassing some form of romance as its central theme. From there, they both made it to "the Buzz!!!" a hip, new clothing store aimed at young females. Robin had a bad feeling about this store. His intuition paid off, as she dragged him into the store, with Robin almost losing a few of the things they had picked up along the way.

Inside the store, Starfire started carousing through the clothes. Robin, not having much a taste for any kind of clothing, found a chair and sat down. He allowed Starfire to browse through the aisles undisturbed. She picked out several different tops and bottoms and the young cashier pointed her to a dressing room near Robin. Starfire went into the dressing room and began to change.

"Robin..." Starfire asked as she had struggled to find the right way to put on a new blouse.

"Yes?" He responded, in a somewhat tired, but attentive look.

"Please tell me, what do you think of..." Starfire opened the curtain, and walked out before finishing speaking, "this...?"

Robin's eyebrows rose. Not bad, Star, not bad at all... Starfire had chosen a rather sheek look. She was wearing a green blouse that was longer than her usual purple tank top, but the color brought out her eyes a bit more. On the bottom, she had chosen a denim skirt that was a bit lower cut than what Robin was used to seeing. Still, it wasn't bad, not bad at all...

Starfire's head tilted a bit. "Robin?"

Robin shook his head, "It's fine, Starfire...it looks great..." Robin put his head down to hide his cheeks from changing color.

Starfire caught on and giggled to herself. She went back into the changing room, and came out in a different look, asking Robin's input on each look she came out with. Robin was more or less impressed with Starfire's taste in clothing. Nothing she tried on looked horrific, but the things that weren't necessarily his taste he tried letting her know subtly. Starfire got the message for the most part and came out in her usual purple tank top and matching skirt. She took several items up to pay, as the clerk seperated what she did and didn't want. Robin stood up as she came back and handed him the clothing bag.

"Where are you going to show me now?" he asked, curiously. Honestly, he was enjoying himself and it wasn't as bad as he thought it would be.

She grabbed his arm and pointed. The place where she said she originally wanted to go. Robin's eyes met with where she was pointing. A large store with thousands of shoes was where she was going. The name "Jump City Shoe Outlet" was read on the sign above it. Taking a very deep breath, Robin followed Starfire towards the shoe store. He stopped when he passed a small vendor on the pathway. It was just a small silver chain, but Robin purchased it and put it into his pocket before picking up all of the bags and following Starfire into the shoe store. Starfire had already vanished from his line of sight in the shoe store.

Robin stopped again, but this time at one of the many jewelry stores. When he saw it, he couldn't believe it. He motioned for the man behind the counter to wrap up the item he was motioning towards. Placing his credit card down onto the counter and asking him to hurry as he was a bit late, Robin purchased something and also stuffed it into his pockets before carrying onward. As he approached the shoe store, Starfire had already picked out a dozen pair of shoes and was getting ready to try them all on. Robin shook his head as he gave his input on the first pair.

Meanwhile, Raven enjoys the peace and quiet at Titan's Tower...

Raven was in the living room, sitting on the couch. It was almost too good to be true, there was peace and quiet within the Tower. Starfire and Robin were out at the mall, Beast Boy and Terra were at the movies and Cyborg was working on his T-car. Raven had enjoyed helping Cyborg to a certain degree on his car, but she told him that she would rather prefer to enjoy the quiet of the tower for as long as she could, and he understood.

Raven sipped on her tea. The warming effects of the jasmine tea were quite soothing as she allowed her mind to relax. She tried to focus her mind so she could meditate, but as soon as she got close enough to her meditative state, a memory flashed back through her. Back to when she was alone with Beast Boy. He had just woken up after being seriously wounded in his fight with Joker. Now, the two were alone and Raven had smacked him upside the head.

"I was really worried about you, you idiot!!! Nobody is allowed to beat you up except me!!!" Raven's own words were echoing through her mind. At the time, she was truly happy he was waking up. She couldn't believe she was crying, though, as she finished shouting at him. Beast Boy had given all of the Titans a scare, there was a short time where they didn't know if he would live, or die. Raven did not like this feeling and those emotions finally came out when she had smacked him.

"Do you hear me? Nobody..." Raven was crying hard. Harder than she ever knew she could.

Beast Boy had pulled Raven close to him, and she cried in his arms for several minutes. She remembered how warm she made him feel, how safe she felt in that one moment. Beast Boy wasn't acting like himself, he was acting like a man.

"It's okay, Raven, crying is a natural emotion. If you don't let it out, it'll find another way out, like that time we all saw that scary movie. Do you remember? I was so scared back then, but looking back on it all, I was really glad you were ok." Raven was a bit surprised he had chosen those words to comfort her with, but it worked regardless, so she had little room to complain.

Raven shook her head, trying to focus on meditating. She had peace and quiet for maybe the first time ever in the Tower. She wasn't going to waste it by thinking about the past and Beast Boy. Try to focus the mind... Raven's feelings had other ideas, as the memory continued to play back.

"You deserve to have whatever you want, Raven. When are you going to let someone see you for who you really are? When are you finally going to take down that brick wall between you and everyone else around you?" Beast Boy asked her, but he more serious than she had ever remembered hearing him. It was odd hearing that sort of stuff from him, but at the time, it all made perfect sense...

Raven's powers erupted and took out a light in the ceiling. She stood up and started walking back to her room, but at a much quicker pace. What's going on? I'm trying to focus, but all I can think about is that memory...

As Raven entered her room, she tried going back to meditating, but the memory of that time was still playing back in her head. Unable to stop it from finishing, she recalled the last moments.

"If you're afraid of being hurt, then you really don't deserve that kind of relationship. That's what life is, Raven, no matter how many times we fall, or how many times we're rejected, we still fight on. Because having someone always there for you, someone who will listen to anything you have to say is truly worth taking that risk, isn't it?" Beast Boy had asked her, she was now laying on her back, but Beast Boy was supporting her, his arms wrapped tight around her.

Raven sighed. She thanked Beast Boy in her head and closed her eyes. She promised she wouldn't make fun of his name anymore. Because the truth was that she really did love...

Raven's eyes opened and she fell down from levitating. She had tried meditating, but perhaps she was all along. The memory of Beast Boy's transformation etched into her own mind, she began to question herself. Could it be? No...don't be silly...I really don't think that I could love him... Raven's newly repaired lamp broke again from her power. Oh man...of all the people in the world...well...the other's are definitely not going to believe this...

Raven wasn't sure of what to do. She thought of everyone and what they could offer. Robin and Starfire won't be back until lord knows when...Beast Boy and Terra are out of the question, so that leaves... Standing back up, she exited her room and headed towards the garage. She was going to ask Cyborg how he dealt with situations similar to her own, without revealing any details. As Raven continued to walk down the hallway, lights exploded from their spots. Something was definitely up with Raven.

Robin and Starfire's trip to the mall has turned out marvelously for both of them. As Terra and Beast Boy are at the movies, Raven heads to seek guidance from Cyborg. What new discovery has she unlocked about herself?

Next Time: The Date, Take 2 (Part 2)

Raven receives her answers from Cyborg and is faced with a difficult decision. Robin and Starfire hit the dance floor as Beast Boy and Terra head into the desert. You won't wanna miss it!