Chapter 7: Titan

"Dude, can I get some fucking defense?"

Damn linemen. I throw my controller on the floor after being tackled for only a four yard gain. I think I might be taking this game a little too personally. Swearing very unprofessionally, I quit and restart the game. Cyborg bought Madden 2007 about a month ago, but has been neglecting it. So I took up ownership. I almost fell out of my chair after playing it. It turns out I love football games. I really fell in love with the Superstar mood.

My first time selecting parents was a great waste of a few hours at the least. Finally, I found the right genetic mix for a great Halfback. When the naming screen came up, I was hesitant to call my character Beast Boy, so I decided on Aaron, the name I wished my parents named me instead of Garfield. And when it came time to choose a last name, Aaron Logan didn't sound that catchy. I needed something that would sound good as hundreds of people chanted it. Then it hit me. Roth! If I couldn't have Raven, then I'd take her last name as my own.

For those of you who don't know how the game works, after you create your Superstar, you have a month until the NFL draft. You have four training days where you can improve certain stats. The first exercise that I ran was the forty-yard dash. The instructions were to tap the A-button as fast as humanly possible. The game allowed me three tries to get a gold medal. My first time, I blew it but pressing A too soon. My second time, I got a silver. And, finally, my last time was the gold time.

My Halfback had to be good at avoiding tackles too, I decided at the time. So my second exercise choice had been a no-brainer. I'd chosen Running-Back Blitz. In this, I had a certain number of tries to get as many touchdowns as I could. The catch was I had to avoid one or two enemy linemen. For a gaming veteran like me, it was a cinch. Gold medal. Next exercise was Kickoff Return. Gold. And then Punt Return. Gold.

When the NFL draft rolled along, I wasn't even sweating. I was chosen by the Chicago Bears, first round. Then came the pre-season, along with four games. I skipped these, because they didn't matter, I was darn good anyway. And then the real games started. I tried to play these just like I had done in training, but I found I really needed my linemen; who, more often than not, always let a single man through the line who would find and tackle me. So here I am, yelling at my dumb O-line.

"Beast Boy, are you always this loud, or does this game bring out the best in you?"

I don't even need to look over to see who's talking to me. It's Gideon. He's been here for three weeks now. That first time I saw him at the mall, I thought I'd see him around occasionally when we needed help or something. But no, that greedy bastard wanted in…to the Titans! And Robin really had no good reason to say no. After dispatching multiple villains far faster than even Raven could, Snow was on the pay roll. Metaphorically speaking.

"Crap!"

Another play, but a lose in yardage this time.

"Beast Boy, I'm trying to read here."

Funny how the dude can be so like Raven, but I can hate him so much. Must be a talent. Speaking of Raven, she's also reading. She's lying on the other side of the couch, but she and Gideon glance at each other every so often. It's not even subtle either. Sometimes I catch him staring at her. Hell, sometimes she catches him staring at her. Funny thing though, she doesn't seem to mind. She never seemed to mind. Those three long weeks was nothing but them flirting.

Raven, do you have any books?

Raven, what kind of magic are you learning?

Raven, how do your powers work?

Raven, look how I can make it bigger if I rub it.

Just kidding on that last one. But I wouldn't be surprised if he ever popped that question. And I have no good faith that Raven wouldn't not look. I seem to be the only one who has any problem at all with our newest member. He trains with Robin, hangs out with Star, even waxes the T-Car with Cyborg. My best friend! I think the two of them connect so well because they're both black. I can hear them dawg-ing and wassup?-ing all the time.

I turn my head; face him.

"I'm sorry if I disturbed your peace in any way, Gideon."

My voice is thick with dripping sarcasm. Just to add some badly-needed oomph to my statement, I add the sharp smile to it.

Gideon apparently hasn't seen it either, for he looks shocked, and then like he wants nothing better than to smite me. Raven gives me a look.

"My apologies, Snow." I growl, adding a small snarl at the end for good measure.

And now Raven speaks.

"Don't worry, Gid. His bark compensates for the non-existent bite."

I stick my tongue out at her. She rolls her eyes.

"Very mature, Beast Boy. Come on, Gid. Let's go to my room. It's quieter."

They rise from the couch as one and head for her room. I gaze open mouthed as they walk out. Raven has never invited any of us to her room. And I've heard enough stories to guess what might be going on in the room. I decide it really isn't my business, and go back to my game. Naturally, I play for five minutes of bliss before being interrupted again.

"Please, Friend. Where is Raven?"

"In her room. With Gideon."

It's hard to keep the menace out of my voice. Starfire squeals.

"Perhaps they are engaging in the making of the kissing that Robin said all couples do."

She said it! I snap around so fast I crick my neck.

"She wouldn't do that! Not Raven! And they're not a couple! Are they?"

"But they have been spending much time together. They are both engaged in the same things."

"That's because they're friends, as much as I hate to admit it."

I really don't want to get into this with Starfire. I've already won the game; I just haven't turned off the Station or T.V. yet. Maybe I'll go to the mainland to get my away from Raven. Visit the arcade or something. Starfire looks curious as I get up.

"Friend, where are you going?"

"Out."

"Perhaps I may accompany you?"

"Bug off."

I add a snarl again. Starfire admits another squeal and jumps back. Doesn't take much to startle her. Maybe…I flash my smile at her…the sharp one. Just to see what'll happen. Starfire lets out an "EEP!" and jumps backward again, ramming her side into the coffee table.

"Don't wait up."

I can feel Starfire's eyes on my back as I walk out the door.