Disclaimer: I don't own any rights to the Teen Titans or any characters in the DC Universe.


Chapter 4 - Preparation

Beast Boy was now walking along the shore line, having tired of sitting and lying around. The ubiquitous bridge stood over the bay in the distance, like a mantle over a fireplace. He nervously fingered the manila envelope in his hands and then chose to ignore it, focusing his attention instead on the nearby training course.

No amount of training could have prepared him for what had happened to him the night of his twenty-first birthday. He was still a virgin when Raven had so generously offered herself to him, and the truth be told he had been rather afraid, since at the time he had no idea of what he was doing.

It didn't matter in the end, because the experience had been mind blowing. It wasn't until later that he learned that he and Raven were a perfect match for each other in the bedroom. Between his animal instincts and Raven's non human heritage they were perhaps the most unusual pair of lovers in the world. But as the saying goes: you can't argue with success.

Beast Boy continued his stroll, as he recalled the morning after.


Beast Boy woke up slowly, stretching as he always did in the morning. For a moment he thought it had all been a dream, but that was quickly dispelled as he felt her warm skin pressed against his. They were both facing the wall the bunk beds were up against. He sniffed her aroma, a combination of her sweat and the lavender perfume she always wore. He suddenly felt very aroused and was more than ready for an encore of the previous night's encounter. But he also knew that now wasn't the time. He could tell from the brightness in his room that it was almost noon and they would soon have to get up.

He wrapped his arms around her as he kissed the nape of her neck. She moaned softly and stirred but did not wake up. He sighed happily as he continued to hold her. Finally, after a few minutes she woke up and rolled over to face him. He thought she had never looked so peaceful and full of bliss.

"Good morning." He whispered.

"Morning." She purred back.

He caressed her face and they exchanged tender kisses.

"We've had our honeymoon. So when do we get married?" He asked her.

She shrugged. "I don't know, why? Are you in a hurry?"

"Well yeah. I'd like to sleep with you every night Rae." He said with a grin.

Raven's expression changed. She looked apprehensive.

"About that Gar, well I have some bad news." She hesitated.

Beast Boy's eyes grew wide with worry.

"What do you mean Rae? You don't want to marry me?"

Raven gasped.

"Oh Gar, of course I want to marry you."

"Well what is it then?"

She looked apprehensive again.

"Gar, were going to have to … ration … our love making."

Beast Boy looked confused.

"Ration? But why?"

She caressed his face before explaining.

"Gar, I had to meditate for ten whole hours yesterday to prepare for last night. And after we were done and you fell asleep I got up and meditated more until 8 AM. And even then I still need to mediate some more. A lot more."

Beast Boy nodded his head, understanding what she said.

"Gar, I don't think I can handle this more than once a week. Maybe not even that often."

The news hit him like a bucket of ice water. And to think he was ready for an encore performance. She saw the disappointment in his face.

"Gar, it's not like we can't sleep together and cuddle and kiss, but I'm afraid that sex will be an infrequent event for us. I'm so sorry."

He drew her close and squeezed her tight.

"It's OK Rae. We'll be fine."

"Thanks." She replied, the relief was clear in her voice. "But there's also another reason."

"Another reason?"

Raven nodded as she sat up, holding a sheet up to cover herself.

"Let me see your hand."

Beast Boy gave her his left hand. She flipped it over so it his palm was facing up.

"Close your eyes and think about last night Gar, think about what you liked the best about it."

He closed his eyes and was soon grinning.

"Ok."She commanded him. "Open your eyes and look at your hand."

Beast Boy opened his eyes and shrieked. Black flames were dancing on his palm.

"Breathe deeply and relax Gar. It will go away."

He did as she told him and within 30 seconds the black flames were gone.

"W-what was that Rae?" He stammered. "If I didn't know better, I'd say that was your black energy."

"It was Gar. Every time we mate you'll absorb some of my dark energy. It will wear off after a few days but if we mate too often it will build up in your body. Too much of it could harm you, even kill you."

The changeling looked visibly disturbed at the news.

"Couldn't I learn to meditate like you do to control it?"

She shook her head. "No, your cellular structure can't handle it. It would slowly destroy your body."

Beast Boy looked thoughtful as he sat on the bed.

"I guess we'll just have to make the best of it when we can. And don't worry Rae, it's no big deal. I want to marry you because I love you, not because of lust."

She turned and hugged him.

"Thank you my love. I promise I'll make those waits more than worthwhile."

The engaged couple remained in silent embrace for a few minutes, until they were interrupted by a loud pounding on the door.

"Are you awake grass stain!? You promised to play Grand Theft Auto: Jump City edition with me. Can you hear me? I'm coming in to make sure you're up. It's almost 12 noon!"

Raven released Beast Boy from her hug. She gave him a quick kiss.

"I have to go! Please don't tell anyone."

And without another word she phased into the bed and disappeared.

Beast Boy looked at the door.

"Just a sec, I'm coming."

He hopped out of his bed, picked up his boxers and slipped them on before heading to the door, which he opened revealing a very impatient looking Cyborg, who barged into his room.

"How can you sleep so much man? And don't give me any crap about your animal DN…"

The tin man stopped talking as he saw something that shouldn't have been in the changeling's room. While it might have escaped most people's notice, he saw it immediately. It was Raven's cape, leotard, panties and bra folded over the back of the chair next to Beast Boy's desk. Her blue boots were on the floor next to it. The bionic lad grinned from ear to ear as he then looked at the lower bunk bed. His infrared eye could detect that there had been two bodies in it just a moment ago. He turned back to face the changeling.

"BB, you sly green dog you …"

Beast Boy looked mortified.

"Cy, it's not what you think …"

Cyborg laughed. "BB slept with Raven!" he sang in a mocking sing song voice.

"Cy! Listen to me!"

But Cyborg wasn't listening.

"C'mon man. So how was it? Spill the beans! It was your first time, right?"

"CYBORG! SHUT UP AND LISTEN TO ME!"

Cyborg backed away from Beast Boy. "Yo man, chill out. I'm just teasin' ya."

"It's nothing to joke about Cy. Raven and I are getting married."

Cyborg's expression changed instantly to one of total shock and surprise. "Wa-wa-whaaatt?" He replied.

"You heard me tin man. We're getting married."

Cyborg looked dumfounded and said nothing.

"And don't you dare tell anyone, understand? If you do I'm not responsible for whatever Raven does to you. And believe me, it will be bad."

Cyborg nodded. "It's cool man. I won't tell anyone."

"Thanks. We'll announce it soon. I promise."

Cyborg chuckled.

"Congratulations grass stain. I'm sure you guys will be happy together."


It was now 4 weeks later and 2 weeks since Raven agreed to announce their news to the team. Starfire had already taken it upon herself to organize the wedding, which would be happening in us 6 more weeks. She had already:

Mailed the invitations.

Hired the caterers and selected the menu.

Rented the tables and chairs.

Ordered the flowers, including corsages.

Hired a live band and a DJ.

Located a judge who would perform the ceremony at the Tower.

Made reservations and prepaid for their honeymoon, a week in Cozumel, Mexico.

Hired a limo.

Rented tuxes for Cyborg, Robin and Beast Boy.

Ordered a new dress for herself.

Rented an organ, hired an organist and selected the music for the ceremony.

Ordered the cake.

She had pretty much taken care of everything, except for one last thing, and she needed Raven to help her with that. She asked Raven to dress in her civvies and to be ready at 10 AM the next morning. As requested she was ready at the requested time and the two female Titans headed down to the garage. Starfire and Raven were both dressed in blue jeans and T-Shirts. There would be no flying today.

Raven was bug eyed as Starfire drove the T-Car into the Bridal Superstore Warehouse parking lot. The store was huge and imposing, at least as large as a Super Wal-Mart.

"Starfire, are you sure we want to go in there? Can't we just order the dress from a catalog?" She asked apprehensively as she got out of the car.

The princess smiled. "Raven, there is much more to this than just a dress. We must find the right one for you of course, but there are also shoes, and other many accessories to be purchased.

Raven sighed and followed Starfire into the store. She gasped as she entered. Nearly half the store was row after row of wedding dresses, in what appeared to be an infinite variety of gowns.

"Starfire! It's going to take forever to examine all of these dresses."

The Tamaranian came prepared. She had a binder under her arm with the designs she had pre-selected for Raven to try out.

"I am prepared friend." She said as she took Raven's hand and began to lead her down one of the many aisles in the superstore. Raven kept looking left and right at the countless styles of wedding dresses. She was completely overwhelmed. Starfire stopped suddenly and began to rummage through one of the racks, eventually removing a dress from it. She turned and held it up to Raven.

"Hmm … no … I do not think so." Starfire commented to herself.

"Uh … don't I get a say in this?" Raven asked in her monotone.

Starfire looked up to Raven's face.

"You will not like it, trust me friend."

Raven snatched the dress from Starfire and found a mirror. She held the dress in front of her and looked at the mirror.

"Ugh. You're right. It's horrid." She said as she handed the dress back to Starfire.

The Princess gave her an "I told you so" look and placed the dress back on t he rack. She then opened her binder and flipped to the next page. Without even looking up she took off running, followed by Raven, who was already getting exasperated.

Four hours had elapsed and they still had met with no success. Starfire once again pulled a dress off the rack and held it up to Raven.

"Starfire, let's just forget about this. I shouldn't even wear a wedding gown."

Starfire hung the dress back on the rack.

"What are you talking about Raven? Why should you not?"

Raven looked around to make sure they had some privacy. It was a midweek afternoon and the store was nearly empty.

"One: I'm a demon. Two: I've been sleeping with Gar for a month now. I'm hardly white and pure, if you know what I mean."

Starfire rolled her eyes."It does not matter Raven. The dress is a tradition. Plus it will make you look radiant and beautiful on your wedding. Beast Boy will be most appreciative."

Without another word Starfire took off for another aisle, followed by a clearly frustrated Raven, who crossed her arms as Starfire once again rummaged through the next rack, pulling out yet another dress and holding it up to Raven.

"I think we have found the right dress!" She announced triumphantly.

Raven took the dress and held it up as she looked in the mirror. A small smile appeared on her face.

"I think you're right Starfire. Now where are the fitting rooms?"


No mail bag today.