Disclaimer: I don't own any rights to the Teen Titans or any characters in the DC Universe.
It was a quiet December afternoon and things were quiet in the Tower. Christmas had come and gone and there hadn't been a major incident that required the Titan's attention since Terra departed. The Christmas tree was still up, now looking lonely without the pile of brightly wrapped gifts that used to adorn its base.
The five Titan's were sitting on the couch. A minor college bowl game was on the TV, but only Cyborg was paying any attention to it. It was the Popeye's Fried Chicken Bowl or something, even Cyborg wasn't sure.
Starfire was wearing the cardigan Robin gave her for Christmas. It was very stylish and the alien princess wore it proudly even thought it wasn't cold in the common room. Then again, even if were cold she wouldn't have needed the wool sweater, as she was sitting on Robin's lap, engaged in a heavy duty snogfest, moaning softly with each prolonged kiss she shared with her boyfriend.
Raven and Beast Boy sat quietly at the other end of the couch, reading as they now seemed to always do. Beast Boy had now moved on to The Two Towers which he was reading with a great deal of intensity. Raven was holding her Christmas present in her left hand. She had removed the glove from his hand and their fingers were interlaced. He asked her if she would be his girlfriend quietly and in private on Christmas Eve. She still couldn't remember what other gifts she received for Christmas. She wasn't sure she had even unwrapped them.
"Robin, Starfire, would you mind getting a room?" Raven asked in her monotone.
The smooching couple ignored her and continued with their make out session.
"Robin, Starfire! Do you mind? Some of us are trying to read!"
Robin paused, as if catching his breath.
"You know what Raven? You should try kissing your boyfriend. You might actually like it."
Raven glared at the Boy Wonder for what felt like an eternity. She then bookmarked her page and put her book down on the coffee table. Beast Boy watched her and did the same.
Then with no warning she pounced on Beast Boy, knocking him onto his back on the couch, pinning him down and locking her lips with his.
"Mmph!" was the only sound he made as he flailed his arms and legs, which soon went limp and "Mmmmm!" became the only sound to escape from his lips. Within seconds his hands were wrapped around the sorceress who herself began to moan with pleasure.
Robin stared in shock while Starfire clapped her hands in glee. Cyborg dropped his bowl of chips which hit the carpeted floor with a dull thud. The two boys exchanged glances, not knowing who should say something first. Starfire beat them to the punch.
"Oh friends! This is glorious! The rumors are true! You are now a couple! I will celebrate your new romance by singing the 'Ode to Unlikely Love', all 738 verses!"
Raven and Beast Boy continued unabated, as if they hadn't heard the Tamaranian's friendly threat.
Cyborg picked up his snack bowl and got up from the couch.
"Uh, the T-Car's overdue for an oil change. I'll be in the garage."
Robin eyed Starfire nervously as she began to warm up her voice.
"Uh Star, wanna go to the mall? I heard there's a sale at the Tokidoki store."
"There is!? Then let us make with the haste before all the good merchandise is gone!" She said as she grabbed his hand and they literally flew out of the common room.
After a few minutes passed Raven stopped kissing Garfield and sat up, her hair mussed, noticing the now empty common room.
"Where'd everybody go?"
"Who cares?" Beast Boy replied as he pulled her back into another kiss.
Christmas at Titans East had been a different affair, at least for Terra. She hadn't heard from Beast Boy since she arrived and he refused all her calls. There was no Christmas present from him under the tree and the only card she received from Jump City was a generic "Seasons Greetings" from the entire team that wasn't even signed by them and had a preprinted greeting in it: "The Teen Titans wish you a happy holiday season!" She was on a mailing list, which meant she received the same greeting card that was sent to such other illustrious recipients like the newspaper boy and the milkman.
Terra was feeling lonely since her arrival. She hadn't clicked with any of the Titans East and her attempts to flirt with Aqualad bombed. She found herself alone most of the time and decided that she wasn't having fun. She was wandering the halls of the building and found herself in the common room. It was different from the old common room in Jump City, not that she really cared. Her stomach growled and she decided to raid the fridge as she hadn't eaten anything all day. She found Mas Y Menos sitting at the table, eating a second lunch. She could only imagine what kind of metabolism they had as they always seemed to be eating. They hadn't seen her as they were engaged in a lively conversation.
Mas: "Ya oiste la noticia?"
Menos: "Cual?"
Mas: "Que no sabes? Beast Boy se declaro a la Señorita Raven!"
Menos: "Son novios? Que noticia mas linda! Ya era hora, a poco no?"
Terra had learned to speak Spanish back in California and she understood every word they said.
"Mentiras!" she shouted. "It's a lie! Beast Boy is my boyfriend, not Raven's."
The twins nearly fell out of their seats, surprised by both Terra's presence and her outburst.
"No se enoje Señorita Terra." Mas attempted to calm her down.
"Don't tell me how to feel, you little pipsqueak! I'll be angry if I want to!"
Mas took her hand and tried to soothe her. "Estas cosas pasan, pero no se preocupe, una muchacha tan linda como usted no tarda en encontrar otro novio, ya verá."
"I don't want another boyfriend you idiot, yo ya tengo uno!"
"Por favor, cálmese Señorita Terra." Menos pleaded with her.
Bumblebee was walking down the hallway when she heard the ruckus in the common room. She ran quickly to investigate and as the doors slid open she was greeted by the sight of Terra punching Menos in the face while shouting "Callate estupido, shut up!"
"Terra! In my office, right now!" Bumblebee snapped at her.
Terra stopped pummeling the small boy and silently followed Bumblebee to her office. The Titans East leader quietly shut the door behind her before turning to the Geomancer.
"Care to explain yourself?"
Terra sighed, knowing well that she couldn't explain away what had happened, but still gave it her best shot.
"They said something that disturbed me, and I kind of lost it." She replied meekly.
"And what was this alleged insult that made you go berserk?"
Terra stared at the floor and swallowed before continuing.
"They said that Beast Boy dumped me and that he's Raven's boyfriend now."
"What!? You attacked a member of my team for telling you the truth?"
"What do you mean it's the truth?" Terra shouted angrily as she stood up, her eyes glowing yellow.
"Oh no you don't! You don't scare me, little missy!"
"Don't lie to me Bumblebee. He never told me that we were through!"
"I thought that it was obvious, since he won't return your calls."
"That's a lie!" Terra shouted. "You're all working together to make me lose him!"
Bumblebee stared silently at the Geomancer, her eyes as cold as steel.
"Pack your bags Terra, you're outta here."
"What?"
"You heard me. I won't tolerate your violent outbursts. You have 30 minutes to leave on your own or we'll throw you out."
"And where am I supposed to go?"
"Bumblebee opened a drawer in her desk and pulled out the petty cash box. She flipped it open and counted the money it contained.
"Here's $847 dollars. That should tide you by for a while until you can find a job." The bug girl said as she handed Terra the cash.
"I don't want your stupid money!" Terra spat as she slapped the cash out of Bumblebee's hand. "And I don't need 30 minutes. My bag's ready and I'm leaving now!"
Robin was the first to return to the common room. Much to his relief Raven and Beast Boy were once again holding hands while each reading their own book. He walked slowly and quietly to the circular couch, stopping about 1 meter away from it, directly behind the two bookworms.
"What is it Robin? Raven asked in her monotone, without turning around.
"I have some bad news."
Beast Boy turned around. "You got it backwards Robin. Raven and I being way better at making out than you and Star is good news. At least it is from where I'm sitting." The changeling taunted him as Raven squeezed his hand.
"I'm not joking guys. Terra got into a fight with Mas Y Menos and Bumblebee kicked her out two hours ago."
Raven quickly turned around, making eye contact with Robin.
"What do you mean by 'kicked out'? Where is she going? Is she coming back here?"
"Kicked out, as in her ass landed on the sidewalk. And no one knows where she went Raven. She simply disappeared into thin air."
Raven stood up, a scowl was painted across her face.
"What happened? Why did they kick her out?" The empath asked.
"She started beating up Mas Y Menos when they told her that you and Beast Boy were now a couple."
"Well that's just peachy! We once again have a psychotic Terra on the loose, and this time she's obsessed with Garfield."
"Don't worry guys." Robin tried to reassure them. "We're having a team meeting in 15 minutes; we'll come up with a plan to deal with this. Terra isn't gonna hurt anyone. Not on my watch."
Terra stepped off the bus at the Gotham Central Bus Depot. The depot was rough and grimy, as were most of the people in it. She slung her knapsack over her back as she made her way through the sea of anonymous faces, working her way to the exit. The terminal reeked of sweat and urine and she was glad once she had made her way out to the street, where she hailed a cab.
"Where to doll face?" The grubby driver asked her.
She considered staying at one of the many flophouses that were common in Gotham, they didn't ask for any ID, but she reconsidered, as none where close to where she wanted to be that night.
"Take me to the Cambridge Hotel." She instructed the driver.
"You sure you wanna go there, Miss? It's not the best part of town; it can get kinda rough there."
"The Cambridge will be fine."
Raven sat uneasily in the new conference room Cyborg had set up next to the commons as she and Beast Boy waited for the others to arrive. She held his hand, repeatedly squeezing it nervously. She knew what Terra was going to do; it was as obvious as the Chakra stone on her forehead. Terra was coming for Beast Boy and she wouldn't take no for an answer this time.
"Rae, Raven!" Beast Boy repeated as he squeezed her hand back.
"Huh? What is it Garfield?"
"Relax! I know you're worried about Terra coming back, but there's no point in worrying."
Raven sighed. She knew he was right. But this was different, it was personal. How could she not worry?
Cyborg, Robin and Starfire arrived at the same time and took their places.
Robin cleared his throat and commenced the meeting.
"As you've all heard Terra was expelled by Titans East for assaulting Mas Y Menos. From what Bumblebee has reported Terra's outburst was triggered by the news that Raven and Beast Boy are now a couple. At this point in time Terra's whereabouts remain unknown and her plan of action is a mystery."
"A mystery? Robin, it's obvious that she's coming back for Garfield." Raven interrupted.
"No Raven." He corrected her. "It's not obvious. There is some likelihood that she might try that, but there is no evidence to back up that conclusion."
"You can't be serious Robin!" She complained. "She's completely obsessed with him, what else is she going to do?"
"She might just disappear for a while and lie low. She might get over her infatuation with Beast Boy."
Raven's face was beginning to turn red. "Infatuation? You make it sound like she's a schoolgirl with a crush on Garfield."
Robin rubbed the back of his neck. "When you think about it, that isn't too far off the mark."
Raven snorted with disgust, but calmed down somewhat when Beast Boy wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
"So what's your plan, Rob?" Cyborg asked.
"For now, nothing. Our current defense systems should suffice. We can change our tactics as we learn more."
Raven glared at Robin. Without breaking eye contact she addressed the Tamaranian.
"Starfire, would you do me a favor?"
"Of course friend, unless it involves inflicting bodily harm on Robin."
"A great idea, but no. Would you mind bringing one of the spare beds from the basement and putting it in my room?"
"I would be happy to do that. Is there something wrong with your bed friend Raven?"
"My bed is fine." She said, finally breaking eye contact with Robin. "I need the second bed for Garfield. He's staying with me at night until Terra's been captured."
Raven saw a few raised eyebrows around the table.
"Oh grow up! If I was planning any monkey business with Garfield I wouldn't announce it in a team meeting, would I?"
"Of course not friend Raven. You only wish to protect your beloved from danger, as do I with Robin."
Raven sighed. "That's right Starfire. If Bird Boy won't protect Garfield from that maniac, then I will."
The taxi pulled up to the hotel. As was the case with most structures in Gotham the Cambridge Hotel was gothic in its architecture. It was an old building, at least by American standards, about 100 years old. It had been one of Gotham's finest hotels back in its day, but now its location across the river from the Narrows made it a less than desirable destination. As Terra stepped into the lobby she was surprised to see that some attempt had been made to keep up the hotel, but that wasn't why she was here. The Cambridge didn't ask for IDs upon check in and didn't raise any eyebrows when guests paid their bills in cash. It was also near a few pubs and bars that she wanted to visit.
Terra checked in under the pseudonym of 'Stacy White' and prepaid for 4 nights. The Bell Hop guided her to her room and she tipped him $5. The room was clean and classy, if a bit outdated in its style. Her watch indicated that it was only 7:30 PM. It was still a bit early to go out to search for what brought her to Gotham, but she knew where to look. She learned a few things from Slade, and she knew that if she went to the 'Stacked Deck' after 10 PM there was a good chance she'd find what she was looking for. She picked up the phone and dialed for room service, ordering a cheeseburger with fries and a Dr. Pepper. She kicked off her shoes and turned on the TV. The local news was on and Summer Gleason was reporting on a breakout at Arkham Asylum. Some things never changed.
Terra's dinner arrived and she paid cash for it and tipped the staff person well. She ate slowly as she watched the rest of the news followed by some inane talk show. Soon enough it was 10 PM, and Terra headed out, seeking her prey.
Beast Boy couldn't believe his luck as he carried his chest of drawers over to Raven's room, while morphed as a gorilla. As he arrived at her room the door was open and back in human form he peeked in nervously. Starfire had already brought the spare bed to Raven's room and the sorceress was busy getting it setup with some fresh sheets.
"Come in." she said in her monotone. "Just put your bureau over there." She pointed to an empty space along the wall.
"Thanks for doing this Rae. I do feel a little better not being alone."
"I still can't believe that Robin doesn't believe she's a threat. He can be so obtuse about her."
"I think you're right, Terra's lost it. She's nuts."
Beast Boy took over from Raven and finished making his bed while she stepped into her bathroom to prepare for the night. As in all things she was prompt and efficient and emerged from the bathroom in just a few minutes, her teeth brushed and she changed into some flannel pajamas. Beast Boy slipped in and was also ready for bed when he emerged.
Raven was already in her bed, reading yet another book. He strolled up to her bedside and gave her a goodnight kiss on the cheek before heading to his bed. He slipped in and made himself comfortable, closing his eyes.
"Are you ready for lights out Gar?"
"Uh huh" was his sleepy reply.
Raven sat up in her bed and looked over at him.
"Gar, come here, and bring your pillow."
"Huh?" he said, half asleep already.
"Just do it."
The green boy walked over to her bed and slipped in as she had pulled the covers back for him. He cautiously stayed near the edge of the bed.
"Come closer, you're gonna fall off the bed if you stay over there."
Now wide awake he complied and scooted himself closer to Raven, who wrapped her arms around him and returned his goodnight kiss.
"Are you OK Rae?" He asked with a hint of concern in his voice.
"As long as you're safe, I'm OK."
The Stacked Deck was the epitome of a dive. It was loud and dirty, full of unsavory characters who were staring at her. Terra still had her Olive Oyl figure, but females were rare in the Stacked Deck and every pair of eyes was examining her hungrily.
"So what's a pretty lady like you doing here?" a two bit thug asked her.
"I'm looking for the strong man." She replied.
"I'm strong, maybe you're looking for me?"
"I don't think so." She snapped at him.
"Wrong answer." The thug replied as he grabbed Terra's wrist. Executing a perfect Jujitsu throw she slammed him into the ground. He was out cold. Several men got up from their tables and circled her.
"Dejenla!" A deep voice called from a dark corner and the toughs all returned to their seats.
"Well, well Señorita. It appears that you have found me." The deep voice now addressed her. "What can Bane do for you, Terra Markov?"
For the benefit of my non American readers: a "bowl game" is one of many post season games played by university (amateur) American Football Teams. These days most of these "bowls" are sponsored by corporations, which wasn't the case in the past. For instance the "Fiesta Bowl" became the "Tostitos Fiesta Bowl" (Tostitos is a brand of corn tortilla chips). Some of the newer bowl games are simply known by their sponsor's name, some of which are third rate companies, hence I made up "Popeye's Fried Chicken Bowl".