Chapter 6: Surprise!
Raven's P.O.V
"You were right, that song was pretty good," Raven acknowledged.
"I'm always right, so you better start getting used to it," Aria bragged.
"That statement just might be true, I wouldn't be out here having fun if you hadn't opened your big mouth," Raven said as Aria lightly slapped her arm. Raven had to admit, her nightly outings revealed a whole new world-a world that didn't involve fighting unrelenting criminals or pesky feelings. Although she felt honored to protect those who couldn't protect themselves, Raven just wanted a break. Her little adventures with Aria allowed her to unleash any lingering stresses. Guilt still managed to creep up on her like a predator stalking its prey when she thought of the team; lying to her friends made Raven feel a little sick despite wanting something for herself. But then again, Raven had dedicated the past five years to her friends, her family.
"Oh my gosh," Aria suddenly froze, gawking at a sight behind Raven.
"What is it?" Raven asked, concerned about her friend's current state.
"Who's... who's that hottie with a body?!" a now beaming Aria exclaimed.
"Please never say that again. And seriously that's what you're worked up over?" Raven said.
"Look at him! He's gorgeous, is this love, is this what love feels like? Am I experiencing love at first sight?" Aria gasped.
"Aria, calm yourself, you're not..."Raven didn't get to finish when Aria grasped her bare shoulders and spun her around saying "Just look!"
Raven's stomach plunged to her feet and she momentarily forgot to breathe. All she could do was stare at the person before her with large eyes. His bulky figure stood above the rest, his muscles prominent against his dark gray t-shirt, dark eyes betraying the calm interior despite an intimidating exterior. That's not what caught Raven's attention,though, it was the fact she knew who he was.
"Is that Cyborg!?" Raven thought. She peered carefully, scanning his face and fully realized it was him.
"Let's go over there," Aria voiced. "Besides he has a cute friend, cuter than my brother."
"Wait, what?" Raven asked. She glanced in Cyborg's direction and noticed his blonde haired companion.
"Beast Boy, too. They can't see me like this," Raven inwardly panicked.
"Let's go," Aria began to make her way to her sudden love interest. Raven quickly caught her arm saying "Let's not and say we did."
"Don't worry, you'll be fine, it's not like you've never interacted with boys before," Aria raised her eyebrows. "You have talked to boys before, right?"
Raven thought fast and said "You know what, I forgot to feed my cat, so I better go. Okay bye."
"Rae, wait!" Aria called to the retreating bird. Raven barged through the hordes of people, every instinct urging her to not look back. She slammed against the glass door, the cool air whipping in her face. Raven cautiously looked behind her, satisfied no one was following her, and began her walk down the sidewalk. It would have been a clean getaway if it weren't for one curious bird.
Robin's P.O.V
Robin had no idea what was happening to him. He had just stared at a girl that wasn't Starfire for five straight minutes. Robin's sudden attraction for the enigmatic beauty was something completely different from the way he felt for Starfire. This girl had a darker magnificence that captured Robin's attention. Her eyes held secrets, secrets that Robin longed to find out. The way she danced only intensified Robin's evolving obsession. She had looked so serene and at peace and she moved with a certain kind of freedom. Robin had to know who she was. His eyes roamed the chaotic scene searching for that all too familiar violet hair. His heart nearly stopped beating when he saw her exiting the club. Without thinking, Robin hopped off the stool and stumbled after her.
As soon as the brisk nighttime air hit him, Robin's senses were awakened. He covertly blended into the shadows, stealthily following the girl. He observed as she strolled down the sidewalk, her heels clicking softly against the pavement. Robin came to a sudden halt when he grasped the reality of his actions.
"Man, what are you doing? Stalking some girl? But there's something about her," Robin shook his head. "No, this is wrong."
As he began to turn around, a hand suddenly clamped down on the girl's arm. The owner of the hand now became visible after stepping into the moonlight. He wore a dark blue sweatshirt and a pair of baggy jeans. A black cap obscured his eyes, but a sinister grin was plastered on his face.
"Pretty girls shouldn't be walking out here in the dark alone," he sneered. To Robin's amazement the girl didn't even flinch, instead she spoke up in a confident tone.
"Look, I don't have time for this. So here are your options: walk away or wake up in the hospital. Your choice."
"I'll go with the first option, but you're coming with me," he growled, jerking on her pale arm. Robin swiftly pulled out his extra bird-a-rang, however he stopped in mid-throw. The man was now engulfed in darkness, dangling in mid- air.
"The hell? Put me down you bit-" his sentence was interrupted as the black energy covered his mouth.
"I really tried to be nice and warn you," she stated, her eyes flashing a brilliant white. With a flick of her wrist, the despicable man was tossed in the nearest dumpster, the lid slamming down on him. The girl looked behind, made sure no one saw and rose into sky. She soundlessly flew away, unknowingly leaving behind a witness. A very confused Robin emerged from the shadows, rendered speechless. In the past few minutes, the lines of black and white became a gray blur. All he could make out was, "Raven?"