Raven looked nervously around the room at anything other than Mrs. Dayton who sat across from her. She didn't know what Elastic Girl wanted from her. As far as she knew she hadn't done anything wrong to her team. She considered that she was here to scold her about her previous disposition towards Garfield. That was understandable. She wasn't always the kindest to him so it made sense his own mother would want to change that. Had she been cruel to him recently? Not that she knew of. Sure she gave him some snarky comments and death glares now and then, but so did everyone else in the Tower. Why did Rita want to talk to her?
"So, Raven." The woman began, taking a sip of her tea. She seemed calm, but Raven could sense the swirl of excitement, curiosity, and even mischief coming off of her. What was this woman up to?
"Yes?" She asked apprehensively.
"There's something I'd like to discuss with you. It's about my son." She replied.
Two hours earlier...
"Think we should stay in uniform?" Garfield asked Vic as he did his hair in the mirror.
"Up to you, man. Star and Rae aren't from what I heard but I dunno about Rob." Vic replied, spraying himself with cologne.
They were in the guy's bathroom getting ready for the Doom Patrol's visit today. Gar had been on edge since he woke up and had been the day before. He wanted to look more mature and less childish while his team (specifically Steve) was here. He thought that wearing his uniform made him look more professional, but now he was thinking it was dopey to wear on Christmas Eve.
"Eh. I'll just wear my civvies. It'll look weird otherwise." He said, trying to cloak his nervousness.
"Not like I have the option." Vic muttered.
"Heheh. Yeah. You basically run around naked!" Gar chuckled.
Vic gave him a look. "Whatever. You have fun with Rob's hair gel." He said, leaving the bathroom.
Gar didn't pay much attention and eyed his reflection. His hair was better now that it was spiked up and not in a sloppy mess like before. What he couldn't stop eying was his skin. His odd, green, skin. He was used to waking up in the morning to see a green face in the mirror by now, but sometimes he looked at it and felt the same way he had for years. Now and then he just wished that he could go back in time and change the past; undo becoming this green circus freak. He knew that if that never happened he wouldn't be where he was today, but he could live without the fangs, claws, pointy ears, and overall green-ness.
"Hey, Beast Boy! You done in there?" He heard Robin call, knocking on the door. Gar snapped out of his thoughts.
"Be right out, Rob!" He replied. Taking one last glance in the mirror, he opened the door where Robin was waiting.
"Hey, you wearing your uniform today or are you taking a break from the tights?" Gar asked.
"I'm wearing my civillian clothes, Beast Boy. But the mask stays." He said firmly before closing the door behind him.
Garfield pouted. "Whatever, Mr. Not-So-Secret-Identity-Grayson." He mumbled.
When he got to his room he changed into some jeans, a t shirt, and a sweater. He thought the sweater made it more formal and couldn't resist dressing in something for the holiday. Christmas was his favorite after all. It was already mid afternoon and according to Rita they'd be there by four, so he was doing whatever he could to get ready until then.
-/-/-/-/-
"Friend Raven! How is this outfit for Christmas Eve?" Starfire asked her friend as she stepped into Raven's room.
Raven turned to see her friend's outfit. When she did, she wasn't quite sure how to respond. Starfire was wearing a red mini dress made to look like a sexy Mrs. Clause, thigh high stockings, and a Santa hat. Although Starfire could easily pull off something so revealing, that didn't make it appropriate to wear to a family gathering.
"Um...I dunno, Star..." Raven replied, trying to put this as gently as possible. "I don't know if it's proper for a Christmas gathering..." She said.
Starfire looked confused. "But is it not Chistmas-y?" She asked, as innocent as ever.
Raven struggled for the right words that wouldn't let her friend down. "It is very... Christmas-y, Starfire. But don't you think maybe it's a little over the top?" She asked.
"But... Victor has worn a Santa costume on Christmas Eve before. Why is it any different for me?" She asked.
That was a tough one. "In our society it's considered improper for a women to wear something like that under most circumstances. It's stupid and sexist, I know. But with people like the Doom Patrol around it's even more distasteful in their opinions. Maybe you could just save it for Dick?" She suggested. She shuddered inwardly at the thought.
"Oh! I see. It is customary on earth to wear outfits such as this before your lover, yes?" She asked, all sweet and innocent. How could someone with such a pure and sweet personality be involved in something like that? Raven would never know.
"Exactly. I would just wear a skirt and a sweater or something." Raven said, wanting this conversation to end soon.
"Excellent choice, Raven!" She replied, then flew out of the room.
Raven let out a sigh of relief. She hated conversations like that.
Raven had already changed. She was dressed in a black sweater with a small opening in the back, dark red pants, and had her hair in a chiffon. She hadn't stressed about her outfit as much as her friends since she hardly owned many clothes. She kept on reading her book, counting down the seconds to Starfire's return.
"How is this, Raven?' Starfire asked, returning by her door. She was now wearing a red sweater with a bedazzled collar, a skirt, and tights. Raven couldn't help the twinge of jealousy that aroused. Only Starfire could make the ditsy schoolgirl look look classy rather than trashy. Hell, She could make a trash bag look good for crying out loud.
"Much better, Star." She replied, unable to stay jealous at someone with such a childlike persona, even if she was a year older than her.
"Thank you, friend." The Tameranian beamed. "When shall Beast Boy's relatives arrive?" She asked, stepping into Raven's room.
"They're not his relatives, Star. Not technically, anyway. They're more of his surrogate family like the Titans are to us." Raven responded. "As for when they'll be here? Probably around four. Hopefully Victor has the food done by then."
"Alright. I am going to continue packing for tomorrow." She stated, exiting Raven's room.
"I wonder what kinds of lace she'll be packing." Raven muttered sarcastically. She didn't want to know what Kori was packing for her 'overnight'.
Raven gave up on the chapter she was reading and decided to leave for the Ops room, having nothing better to do. On her way down there she decided to stop by Gar's room to chat. She knew he was stressed about tonight and would need all the closure he could get.
She knocked on his door. "Hey Gar? Are you in there?" She asked.
"Yeah! Be right out!" He called back. A few seconds later he opened the door.
Raven took in what he was wearing and had to admit she was impressed. His hair was groomed, his clothes fit him perfectly, and he looked good overall. She had come to find his normal appearence of tousled hair and normal clothes attractive, Even cute. But this look was more grown up yet as boyish as he'd always been. That was something she didn't always see in her green friend. But she liked what she saw with or without the different outfit and hairstyle.
"I like the look. It suits you." Raven said without thinking much. Hopefully he didn't take it the wrong -or in this case right- way.
Gar looked surprised and even flustered. "Really? Thanks!" He replied, smiling at her. His face heated up a little. "So do you." He said quietly.
She returned his smile. "Thank you." She said. After a few moments of silence she spoke again. "Should the Doom Patrol be here soon?" She asked.
Gar swallowed. "Yeah...I'd give them about a half hour..." He said. She could feel his nervousness and was reminded why she came here.
"Are you okay?" She asked.
"What do you mean?" He asked.
"With the Doom Patrol coming. I can sense you're a bit tensed up. Think you'll be okay?" She asked, her concern evident if you listened close enough.
Gar sighed. "I don't know, Rae. I mean... Steve can be all judgemental sometimes and I'm just worried he'll start pointing out everything that's wrong with what I'm doing. I don't think I'm making him proud." He said dejectedly. He hadn't meant to pour out his heart like that to Raven, but it felt nice when he did.
Raven listened closely. "He's your adoptive father, Gar. It's understandable you'd want to prove yourself to him. But remember he's not your leader anymore. As long as you're doing what's right on this team, he can't interfere with that." She assured him. "And either way, he has a lot to be proud of already." She added, feeling her face get a little bit warmer.
"Do you really mean that?" He asked, astonished but happy with what she said.
"Of course." She said.
"Thanks Raven. That...means a lot." He said, avoiding her gaze.
"You're welcome. Now I'm going to help set up downstairs. Care to join?" She said.
"Yeah. Let's go." He replied.
Once they to the Ops Room they nearly ran into Victor at the door. "Whoa! Dude! What's the rush?" Gar chuckled.
"I was running up to tell you guys. The Doom Patrol are here." He announced.
Gar's eyes went wide and he swallowed. No going back now. He thought. "Uh, cool. Where are they now?" He asked, struggling to keep his voice even.
"Making their way downstairs from what I can here." Vic replied. He patted Gar on the shoulder. "It'll be find, BB." He consoled him.
Yeah. Like that helps. He thought.
The elevator doors opened to reveal all four members of the Doom Patrol in civillian clothing as well. Mento was without his helmet, revealing his red hair and silver sideburns. Negative Man wore normal clothes as well, but had his uniform on underneath to keep himself in one piece. Even Robot Man wore something different in a large gray business suit. Rita looked relatively the same; the only difference was that her dress was all black unlike her uniform.
Rita was the first to greet them. "Garfield." She whispered then went right up to her son. Gar immediately embraced her, glad to be reunited with her again.
"How have you been?" She asked, placing her hands on his shoulders.
"I've been great! You won't believe how quiet it's been here since the Brotherhood froze over." He explained. He was about to say more when Steve came up behind his wife and looked down at Garfield.
"Hello, Garfield. Good to see you're in good shape." He said, holding out his hand to him.
Gar gave him an anxious smile and shook his hand. "Yeah. Same to you." He said.
"In good shape? Still looks pretty scrawny to me." Robot Man chuckled.
"True that." Vic mutters, smirking at Cliff. They share a quick glance.
Gar playfully glared at them. "I still changed more than either of you ever will." He retorted.
"Mr. Dayton. Good to see you again." Robin asked, holding his hand out to Steve.
"Same. How have things been on your end?" He asks. The leaders continued their formal chat and Gar took it as an opportunity to see the rest of his former team.
"Hey Larry. How's it going?" Gar asked the bandaged man.
"Can't complain too much. You?" He asked.
"Pretty good. So...uh..." Gar began awkwardly. He tried to keep his voice low to avoid Steve hearing. "I was wondering...something different going on?" He asked.
Larry, aka Negative Man, would've arched his eyebrows if he had them. "Whataya mean, kid?" He asked.
"I mean...in the past you guts usually sent me a present and sometimes called for Christmas... Why did you guys decide to come by this year?" He asked. "Not that I'm complaint or anything-"
Larry sighed. "Listen, squirt. Don't tell the boss I told you this but..." His voice got a little lower. "With the Brotherhood down and crime fairly quiet, we figured that there'd be more time to do stuff, well, like this." He gestured to the room around him. "And besides. Rita's been dying to see you."
"Cool. So you guys are taking some down time?" He asked.
"Not much more than we ever did, but I guess you could say that. Steve still likes to work our asses off with or without missions coming up." He said.
"Heh. That's Steve for you." He said. He heard someone coming up behind him and from he could smell it was Raven.
"Hello, Larry." She said, holding her hand out to him as she came up beside Gar.
"Raven." He said, shaking her hand.
Raven turned back to Gar. "Robin says we'll be eating soon. Think you could give Vic a break from the food?" She asked, gesturing to the chatting teen.
"You got it, Rae." He said and ran over to the kitchen.
Raved could sense small traces of amusement coming off of Larry but didn't know what from. It wasn't like he was the most lighthearted man. She raised an eyebrow at him. "Did he have nicknames for the rest of you, too?" She asked.
"Yup. Kid used to call me Larry Phantom. Whatever the hell that means." He said. Raven smirked inwardly at that one. That was so like Gar to come up with that.
"He has a number for me. He's recieved pleanty of reasons not to call me anything but Raven but it seems he hasn't gotten the memo." She said.
"You seemed fine with Rae." He observed.
Raven shoved away her embarrassment and shrugged. "I've gotten used to it. But his other ones are pretty childish."
"That kids never changes, does he?" Larry stated.
Raven felt the need to protest but didn't want to cause a scene. "I guess you could say that." She replied.
Raven almost jumped when she felt Rita place a hand on her shoulder. "Raven. Gar tells me you're quite a connoisseur when it comes to tea. Do you think you could make me some?" She asked. Raven was suspicious at first, sensing she wanted more than just tea, but didn't speak on her assumptions.
"Of course." She said, leading her to the kitchen, away from their team mates.
She made she and Rita some chai tea as the made small talk, but by the time the tea was ready, Rita got starlight to the point. "As you may have guessed, Raven, tea wasn't the only reason I went to you." She said.
Raven nodded. "Yes, I had a hunch. Is there something you'd like to speak with me about?" She asked.
"Yes. But not here. Is your room available?" She asked.
Raven was taken aback. Was this that serious they needed to leave? Now she was nervous. "Um...sure, of course." She said. They began walking out if the Ops room without the other noticing- even Garfield.
They got to Raven's room and sat on her bed, having nowhere else to sit. "Now...if you don't mind...I'd just like to have a proper chat." Rita began.
Present...
"What about Garfield?" Raven asked, trying to mask the anxiousness in her voice.
"Raven...it has come to my attention that recently Garfield was dumped as one one might say by a girl who I believe was unworthy of his attention." Rita said, sipping her tea.
"Yes... Terra." Raven replied, venom in her voice when she said 'Terra'.
"Hm. Well, Garfield and I, I don't know if you know this, we write to each other. He tells me all about his missions, good times he's had here, but he also tells me things he doesn't think anyone else would understand. His emotions for example." She explained. Raven nodded for her to go on.
"He does it discreetly, of course. He'll mention things that happen, people he's noticed... You seem to have come up a lot..." She glanced at Raven and she blushed in return. Where is she going with this? Raven wondered.
"Except fir when it came to Terra. He called me, which he never does, and told me all that happened. Including how you looked after him." She said suggestively.
"Mrs. Dayton, Rita, what's this all about?" Raven finally asked. She couldn't handle all of this beating around the bush. What was she trying to say?
"Raven, I'm surprised you haven't figured it out by now. From what I know and have seen since I got here I can tell that my son has taken a liking towards you." She stated as though she were staying the weather.
Raven's eyes grew to the size of golf balls and her cheeks went pink. "H-how do you know for certain? All he's done is..." Raven stammered. Could this be true? It would explain the way she'd catch him staring at her or that inexplicable emotion coming off of him. But what if she was wrong?
"Raven, I know my own son. His attention towards you, how he's mentioned the most random things about you in his letters, just in the way he looks at you I can tell. You're an empath. Haven't you sensed anything from him?" She asked.
"I've sensed...something. But I could never explain it... But now..." She said, coming to the realization.
"I believe this emotion you were sensing was smitten. It's like a crush but more...genuine. In short he likes you, Raven. A lot." She said, smiling at the young woman.
"But what about Terra? He only split up with her a few months ago and..." Raven trailed off, her doubt returning.
"And what?" Rita asked.
"I...he deserves better." She stated shamefully.
"Do you intend to leave him, break his heart, and crush his soul?" Rita asked, no, demanded was a better word for it.
Raven looked up at her, her shock evident. "No! Of course not! I would never!"
Rita calmed down and smiled at her. "Then you're already far better than she is." She assured her.
"Do you really think so?" She asked. Most girls did whatever they could to get their boyfriend's mother's approval. Meanwhile it seemed Raven already had it.
"As long as you return his feelings and treat him right then of course." Rita said.
"Thank you, Rita. I can't believe I didn't realize it until now." She admitted.
"You do intend on using the information I've given you, right?" She asked, suggestively but seriously.
"I will. Thank you." Raven replied, smiling at the older woman.
"You're very welcome. Now, I believe that dinner's waiting on us..." She said, standing up.
"Right. Of course." Raven said, standing up too. They made their way to the door before Rita stopped Raven, a dead serious look in her eyes.
"I warn you, though, Raven. If you break his heart I will personally become as tall as the Statue of Liberty and step on you." She said, sounding dead serious.
Raven was scared voiceless for a moment. "Yes ma'am." She said.
Rita removed her hand from her shoulder. "Good." She said. With that aside, they both left for the kitchen.
-/-/-/-/-
Gar looked around the Ops room. Larry and Robin were talking whole each drinking the drinks he'd set out; Cliff and Cyborg were still talking about technology and sports; Starfire was busying herself with the gifts; Steve stood in the corner, eying those around him. He kept looking and found that Raven nor Rita could be found. Had Raven gone to meditate and Rita gone to the restroom? Or worse, had they gone somewhere together? Why would his mother want to talk to Raven in private? He brushed that idea off. It was probably a coincidence.
"Hey Gar." Gar felt something tap his shoulder. He turned around to see Raven.
"Woah! Hey Rae! When did you get here?" He asked.
"I was doing some last minute packing before we leave tomorrow." She said.
"Oh, right. Good thing I'm all packed!" He said.
"Packed for what?" Gar turned again to see Steve leaning against the counter.
Gar wasn't sure of how to respond. If he said he and Raven were going to visit her kids, Steve would assume Raven was done kind of a scandal and that he was involved in it. That would be a disaster.
"Beast Boy and I are paying a visit to the Titans in training for Christmas tomorrow. They don't get many visitors so he and I wanted to see them." Raven cut in. It wasn't entirely a lie, but enough to fool Steve.
He eyed them both suspiciously. "We're these children the three who joined us in the battle with the Brotherhood of Evil?" He asked.
"Yes. I've grown close with them so I thought it'd be nice to bring them Christmas gifts." She said.
"Then why are you going with?" Steve asked, turning to Garfield.
"Uh...why not? Kids love me! Besides, it'd be weird if only one of us showed up, right?" He replied in a jovial manner, elbowing Raven.
Steve gave them another suspicious look. "True. It's good to know that you have more young heroes to look after the future." He stated, taking a sip of his drink. "Either of you seen Rita around?" He asked.
"Here, Steve." Rita walked up to the group from the hallway. "I was in the restroom in case you were wondering." She said.
"Great! Now we can do food and presents!" Gar exclaimed. Steve shook his head at the boy's excitement.
"Well, I am hungry." Rita said, following her soon the the kitchen counter where the food was. By then Starfire had all the presents rounded up and by the tree.
Everyone either talked, ate, or exchanged gifts. Beast Boy had gotten gifts for each member of the Doom Patrol as well as the team mates he wouldn't see tomorrow. The rest of the team did the same, but didn't get the Doom Patrol anything, knowing that would be weird.
"Here you go, Gar. This is from all of us." Rita said, handing him a large package.
Gar smiled at her and took the gift and began unwrapping it. He opened the box to find there was a smaller box beneath it. He looked at his mother, confused, while Cliff and Larry chuckled in the background. "Go on." Rita said. He went back to unwrapping the smaller box and found there was an even smaller box in there. Now he was just frustrated and tore the smallest box open. Inside that box were keys- keys to a vehicle.
"Wait- is this-?" He stammered, holding the keys and staring in awe at his parents.
"We thought that now you have your license that you could handle having your own moped." Rita saud, smiling down at him.
A large smile enveloped his entire face. He ran up off the couch and hugged his mother. "Thank you thank you thank you!" He repeated, practically radiating joy.
"I'm glad you like it. It's already on its way." She said, hugging him back.
"Don't lose those, B!" Vic called to him.
"Never." He said, looking at the keys. Seeing those shiny keys reminded him of something.
"Oh yeah! Hang on." He put the keys back in the little box and ran over to the tree, grabbing some of the presents.
"Here, mom." Gar said, handing Rita a small box.
"Thank you, Gar." She replied and neatly unfolded the wrapping paper. When she finished opening it she gasped at what she saw. Gar had gotten her dangling pearl earrings.
"Oh my gosh! Thank you so much!" She exclaimed, wrapping her arms around him in a hug. He hugged her back and she kissed the top of his head.
"Mom." He grumbled, ruffling the spot where she kissed him. Rita giggled.
Gar went over to Larry who was eating some of Victor's soup. "Here ya go, man!" He said, handing him a wrapped package.
"Thanks, squirt." He said, unwrapping the package. Inside it was collection of classic ghost movies.
Gar chuckled at Larry's lack of expression. "I knew you'd like it." He said. He went over to Cliff who was now talking to Robin.
"Yeah that's the same thing I'm made of... Oh hey, kid. What's up?" Cliff turned away from Robin and looked back at Gar.
"Merry Christmas!" He said, handing him his present.
"Thanks." He said, taking the gift and unwrapping it.
"Here's your's Rob." He said, handing another gift to his leader.
"Oh, thanks, Beast Boy." He said, smiling at him. He didn't bother watching them open the gifts up and went over to Starfire next.
"Merry Christmas, Star!" He cheered, holding out his gift to her.
"Oh! Thank you very much, Beast Boy!" She squealed, taking her gift. When she unwrapped her new makeup kit she enveloped Gar in a tight hug.
"N-no problem Star...glad you liked it..." He wheezed out under the strength of her hug.
Now for the last one, the hardest one yet. Gar approached Steve, trying to cover up his nervousness with a smile. "Here you go, Captain." He said, holding out a wrapped package.
Steve looked a little taken aback but accepted the present. He carefully opened it, glancing at Gar every now and then. When he did his expression went from suspicios to awestruck. The gift was a handmade collage of old Doom Patrol photos. There were pictures of the whole group together posing for a photo, Rita snd Steve officially adopting Garfield, a picture of Larry after a prank Gar (with some help from Cliff) pulled on him, the first time Gar celebrated his birthday with the team, and finally a selfie Gar took of he and his former team after taking down the brotherhood.
Rita's eyes welled with tears once she saw the photos set up together in the frame. "Gar...this is..." She couldn't finish.
"Amazing." Steve finished for her. Everyone who was listening in looked at him, surprised. "Where did you get these?" He asked.
Gar scratched behind his neck, his face heating up. "I...might've taken some myself back in the day. And I might've grabbed a few from you before I...erm...left." He said bashfully.
"Gar this is the sweetest thing you've ever done. We love it." Rita said, smiling brightly at him.
"Thanks guys. I'm...glad you like it." He said.
After a few moments of saying nothing Steve spoke again. "I'm going to go put this in the plane. Thank you, Garfield." He said, ruffling his son's hair. Gar beamed up at him and Steve gave him a small smile. He then turned and left for the plane.
Gar was blown away. He hadn't thought Steve would be so grateful for the gift nor would he show it. He rarely showed emotion unless it was anger. This was one of the few times he'd seen him awestruck or happy.
His thoughts were interrupted by Cliff's heavy hand parting his shoulder. "Nice work, squirt." He said. Larry nodded in agreement.
"Thanks, guys." He replied, smiling up at them.
"That was really nice of you, Gar." Said Raven, giving him a small smile.
"Heheh. Thanks. I'm just glad they liked it." He said, glancing at his mother and uncles.
Raven hummed in agreement. "So where's my present?" She asked.
"What?" He asked, not really listening before.
"My present. Did you decide to skip over me, or..." Raven asked, smirking at him.
"Uh uh uh! You're present will have to wait till tomorrow. I gave everyone else their gifts cause we won't see them tomorrow morning." He replied, also smirking.
"They're leaving that early?" Raven asked.
"Yeah. Gotham's pretty far off by car and same goes for New York where Vic's grandparents live. They're probably gonna be gone before I get up." He said.
"I never thought you'd be one to sleep in on Christmas." Raven said.
"I've tried getting up early, Rae, but ever since I turned thirteen that just didn't happen." He replied, shrugging.
She shook her head. "You're impossible sometimes, you know that?" She said. He chuckled.
Steve, who had just gotten back from the plane, and Rita eyed the pair as the talked to each other. "Did you tell her?" Steve asked his wife.
"Yes. It seems she's quite content with the information." She said, smiling to herself.
"I dunno, Rita." Steve said, shaking his head. "I don't know if I trust her."
Rita sighed. "I didn't either at first, Steve. She always seemed so quiet and closed off whenever I saw her. But things have changed." She said. She saw Raven snicker at something Gar said.
"That's not what I meant." Steve said, turning his wife to face him. His voice went down to almost a whisper. "You know what she is, don't you?" He asked, glancing over at Raven.
"Steve." Rita admonished but still kept her voice low.
"Rita. Listen to me." He said, taking her shoulder and guiding her away from the crowd. Once they were out of earshot he went on. "Yes, Garfield's...taken a liking towards her. We know that. But that doesn't remove the fact that she's a...well..." He struggled with a word that wouldn't anger his wife.
"She's also a young girl, Steve. Look, I'm not saying I trust her fully either, but..." Rita paused for a second. "What's important is that Garfield does." She stated.
"Well he's never had the best judgement. I mean take that geomancer for example." He retorted.
"They were all fooled, Steve. Not just Gar. If she could fool Batman's protege she could fool anyone." Rita reminded him. "Besides, this girl has been on the team for years and has overthrown her demon father that you complain so much about." Rita pointed out.
"Yes, but..."
"The point is, Steven, is that this is Garfield's choice. Sure, I stepped in a little, but you know how hard he has it with this sort of thing. Do you remember what Marie said about him behind his back? She said her own son-" Rita explained before her husband cut her off.
"I get it. He likes her and apparently she likes him." He stated. "But." He he cut her off just before she could go on. "That doesn't mean I'm all for it." He finalized.
"I'm not asking you to be." Rita said. "I'm just telling you to not do anything that would harm their relationship. Even if it doesn't work out."
Steve sighed. "Fine." He gave in.
"Good." Rita smiled at him. "And as for being worried, that's fine. It means you're being a good father." She assured him.
"Thanks, Rita." He gave her a half smile, much more than he usually gave.
"Hey guys! Check this out!" Gar called them both over.
The couple walked over to their son. "Yes, Gar?" Rita asked.
"Look at this!" He held up a picture of a black and white, short sleeved, padded suit. "It's the blueprint for my uniform!" He said excitedly.
"New uniform?" Steve asked. "What's wrong with the one you have?" He seemed discouraged.
"We're all updating our uniforms, Mr. Dayton." Robin stepped in. "I decided to give Gar the S.T.A.R. Labs blue print for Christmas. It should be finished in a few months."
"Will the rest of your team be changing?" Steve asked.
"Indeed! I already have, but Victor shall be getting upgrades, Raven will have no cloaks and pants, and Robin-" Starfire explained before Robin quickly covered her mouth.
"That's a surprise, Star." He said, getting visibly nervous.
"Interesting. Well I hope you enjoy your...new look Garfield." Steve said. Gar could tell he was uncomfortable with the changed and knew why.
"Yeah...thanks." Gar replied, looking a little deflated.
"Well, this has all been fun, Titans, but the Doom Patrol should be heading out by now." He said, looking at his watch.
"Aw, c'mon, guys!" Gar protested, standing up and dropping the blueprint.
"Sorry, squirt. But he's right. Can't fly too well at this hour anyway." Cliff said, straightening his suit out before getting up.
Gar looked a little deflated but didn't abject again. As the Doom Patrol started getting ready to go he said his goodbyes, hugging Rita and shanking hands and recieving hair ruffles from Cliff, Steve, and Larry.
As their jet took off from the landing base of the Tower Gar watched them from the sidelines, waving goodbye until they were too far away to see. When he couldn't see them anymore he sold where he was, never looking away from the sky. He let out a deep breath, causing puffs of smoke to escape his mouth. He then realized how cold it was and shivered a little as a breeze went through the air. He felt some of that cold vanish as something soft was laid on his shoulders.
"I thought you might be cold." Raven said, putting a jacket on his shoulders. He placed his hand on the jacket and put his arms in the sleeves.
"Thanks Rae." He said, smiling at her. He looked back at the sky, his smile leaving his face.
"What's on your mind?" Raven asked.
Gar sighed and looked at his feet. "I just...I dunno. I guess I just wish I had gotten to spend more time with the, y'know?" He said. He continued to stare at the sky where he last saw the jet fly away.
Raven nodded. "I can understand that." She said.
"Right. Empath." He said.
Raven shook her head. "No. Not only that, anyway." She said.
"What do you mean?" He asked, looking at her.
Raven was silent for a few moments, debating on whether to tell him or not. "I feel that same way about Melvin, Timmy, and Teether. My mother too." She said.
Gar was taken aback. She had never mentioned her mother. "Wanna talk about it?" He asked, curious to find out more about her.
She shook her head. "It's a long story. Maybe some other time." She said.
Gar was a little disappointed but didn't want to force her into telling him. "That cool, Rae. I understand." He replied.
"I'm glad someone does." Raven agreed. They stared at each other for a few more moments until Raven broke eye contact and shivered.
"Wanna go inside?" Gar suggested, seeing she was freezing.
"I'd like that." She said. Raven went ahead for the door. Gar followed her but stopped short. He took one last glance at the sky then kept walking inside.
Hope you guys liked the extra long chapter! So now BB and Rae have the hots for each other and Rita knows what's up...and makes sure Raven does too. Oh yeah, and the Doom Patrol was there. Hope ya liked it! Also, I kinda got the idea of Rita telling Raven first from Bhill62's Brotherhood of Joker (best fic ever, check it out). He's kind of my inspiration for my fics as is live. laugh. love. izzy., The Harry Wompa, and many other fantastic authors. So kudos to them for giving me inspo!
Thanks for reading,
Themadzlove