Road to Discovery Chapter 11: Lightning Strikes the Heart, a teen titans fanfic

The songs mentioned in this chapter are Potential Break Up Song by Aly and Aj and Valentine by Sampha and Jessie Ware. To any of my followers who want to know why I haven't posted in such a long time, just ask, and I'll post why in the next chapter. Later...

Chapter 11: Lightning Strikes the Heart

Robin's P.O.V

"Are you positive we're heading in the right direction?" Robin asked for the millionth time.

"Of course I'm positive. Give me a little credit here," Beast Boy insisted.

After Robin had told the rest of the Titans that they were going out, Beast Boy had immediately called his "connection" and made plans for their outing. So here the Titans were, following a dopey, usually green boy into a back alley.

"Oh, really? Because I'm pretty sure this is the part where a random crook comes out and attempts to rob us," Robin replied. Starfire held a starbolt in her hand, illuminating the opaque alley. The brick walls of two massive buildings stood on either side of the narrow path. A huge dumpster emitted a putrid smell of waste. Rats scampered across the ground, giving little thought to the oncoming Titans.

"Come on, I know where to go, I'm not stupid," Beast Boy protested.

"Could've fooled me," Cyborg snickered. Beast Boy shot him a nasty glare.

"Please friends, refrain from teasing Beast Boy. I am confident he is aware of our surroundings," Starfire defended him.

"Thank you, Star, I am well aware of where we're going," he said, shooting both Robin and Cyborg a triumphant look.

"Speaking of which, where are you taking us again?" Robin asked.

"Oh, it's this really cool karaoke place. So all of you will be blessed with the chance to see my amazing singing skills," Beast Boy said.

"Blessed or cursed, I wonder," Cyborg muttered, starting a whole new argument between the two of them.

"Karaoke is a place where people sing, yes?" Starfire questioned. Robin nodded his head in response.

"Oh joy, then we can dance together," Starfire smiled, using her free hand to grab hold of Robin's.

"Here we are, Titans," Beast Boy stopped in front of red door marked with a golden star. He knocked on the door and a small section of the door opened, disclosing a pair of eyes. A second later the door opened up to reveal a pretty, blonde girl.

"Welcome to Carrie-oke," she pointed to her shirt labeled 'Carrie-oke' in gold lettering. "Come on in."

Entering the karaoke bar, Robin was surprised how low key the place was, considering Beast Boy was the one to pick it out. Booths were lined up against the brick walls surrounding the bar in the center of the room. A small crowd of people was gathered around the stage awaiting the next performance. Following the eyes of the audience, Robin looked onto the stage and as soon as he did time seemed to come to a complete stop.

Everything around him faded away-voices, laughter, music-he was oblivious to it all. The only sound that remained was the beating of his heart as he stared at the reason of his oblivion. There she was on the stage, the indigo haired beauty that may have not captured Robin's heart, but his attention was all hers. A navy blue, wool sweater hung off her shoulders exposing bare skin. Black tights hugged her legs, displaying her feminine curves. Her dark locks cascaded down her back in waves. Dark lashes fanned her eyes, bright and alert. The only features out of place were the vivid green eyes and the forehead no longer bearing the birthstone she bore.

'Raven!' Robin exclaimed inwardly. He couldn't help but to continue to gawk at her when the inevitable happened. Raven glanced his way and for a split second their eyes met. Two pairs of eyes, concealed through different ways, met, and perhaps this was the part where two hearts met. Raven's eyes widened, her whole body tensed, and she suddenly looked away. At this point, Robin had forgotten how to breathe.

"It's her!" Cyborg cried.

"What?" Robin was yanked away from his state of obscurity.

"Aria! The girl I was telling you guys about," Cyborg explained. It was then Robin noticed the other half of the duo on stage. She wore an unbuttoned black and white letterman jacket with a black tank top. She, also, donned a matching pair of white skinny jeans.

"The girl from Royals?" Beast Boy asked.

"Yeah," Cyborg breathed.

"Did you ever call her?" Beast Boy questioned.

"No," Cyborg sighed.

"Dude, I would stay a good 65 feet away from her if you want to live past this night," Beast Boy laughed. Robin regarded how Aria's big brown eyes were now shooting daggers at Cyborg.

"Hey, if it doesn't work out with her, you can always hit up the Raven look-a-like up there," Beast Boy offered. Robin shot an unnoticed glare at the changeling before his eyes swiftly averted once more to the dark-haired girl, his heart swelling up again. And simultaneously, just like that, Robin was introduced to the fact not only was the actual Raven here, she was on the freaking stage!

'Why would she get on stage to sing?' Robin contemplated. For as long as he knew her, Raven had never been the type to want to be in the spotlight. She had always avoided interviews and cameras, claiming 'It wasn't her thing'. For years, Raven's face was hidden by the shadow of her hood. All of a sudden she was on a stage ready to sing. Robin didn't even know she could sing, he'd never even heard her sing before.

"Friends! I believe they are about to do the singing!" Starfire clapped her hands together as the music began to throb. The music commenced with a pounding accelerando exploding from the speakers. Aria clutched the microphone in her hand and started the first verse with a modulated singing voice.

It took too long

It took too long for you to call back

And normally I would just forget that

Except for the fact it was my birthday

My stupid birthday

With every word, Aria's glare on Cyborg intensified. Robin watched as his friend tried his best to ignore her looks of contempt.

I played along

Rolled right off my back

But obviously my armor was cracked

What kind of a boyfriend would forget that?

Who would forget that?

The moment Robin had been anticipating finally arrived. Raven began the next verse with a husky, smoky voice that made him melt on the inside.

The type of guy who doesn't see

What he has until she leaves

Aria interjected with a powerful soprano like voice.

Don't let me go

Raven continued with that same smokiness in her tone.

Cause without me, you know you're lost

Wise up now or pay the cost

Aria, once again, cut in with a lingering high note.

Soon you will know

The music began to erupt into a continuous beat. Aria promptly removed the microphone from its clamp with Raven following suit. They strutted to the front edge of the stage and started to rock their hips in sync to the rhythm. Raven ran her fingers through her hair and performed a light seductive motion of dipping her swaying hips. Robin's eyes slightly widened before quickly looking away. A small pang of guilt clawed at him because of his sudden flash of desire. Aria's modulated voice intertwined with Raven's smoky voice and a melodious duet formed.

You're not livin' till you're livin'
Livin' with me
You're not winnin' till you're winnin'
Winnin' me

You're not gettin' till you're gettin'
Gettin' me
You're not livin' till you're livin'
Living for me

Although the hard hitting music continued with the same edge, their voices simultaneously softened to a sweet harmony.

This is the potential breakup song
Our album needs just one
Oh baby please
Please tell me

The duet ended and the duo walked back to the microphone stand, reattaching the mic back to its clamp. Aria continued the song, her performance reflecting the earlier feat.

We got along
We got along
We got along until you did that
Now all I want is just my stuff back
Do you get that?
Let me repeat that
I want my stuff back

The husky sound that was Raven's returned, bearing an impact. Robin tried his best to ignore her slender legs shifting back and forth to the beat.

You can send it in a box
I don't care just drop it off

Another line ending with a high note erupted from Aria's mouth.

I won't be home

A new set of lines beginning led to another chance to hear Raven sing.

Cause without me, you know you're lost
Minus you I'm better off

Robin noted the tiny sparkle in her eyes as Raven sang. She looked to be truly enjoying herself up there. The pre-chorus began with Aria's repeated line from earlier in the song.

Soon you will know

Once again the duet commenced with a fire intense enough to set the place ablaze.

You're not livin' till you're livin'
Livin' with me
You're not winnin' till you're winnin'
Winnin' me
You're not gettin' till you're gettin'
Gettin' to me
You're not livin' till you're livin'
Living for me

The beat suddenly turned into a pulsating thud, its vibrations echoing throughout the building. Aria suddenly seized Raven's hand and led her down the stairs and into the audience. The cheering crowd parted a way for them to walk. Nerves rocketed throughout Robin when he saw them approaching.

You can try, you can try
You know I know it'd be a lie
Without me you're gonna cry
So you better think clearly, clearly
Before you nearly, nearly
Mess up the situation that you're gonna miss dearly, dearly
C'mon

As the duo marched past the Titans, Aria shot Cyborg another dirty look. Once they had completely walked past the Titans, Aria quickly turned around giving Cyborg the one finger salute. Raven hurriedly turned Aria around by her shoulder and pushed her forward.

You're not livin' till you're livin'
Livin' with me
You're not winnin' till you're winnin'
Winnin' me
You're not gettin' till you're gettin'
Gettin' me
You're not livin' till you're livin'
Living for me

The dynamic duo circled the bar and returned to the stage opposite the side they originally walked off. Their voices blended together into a pleasing harmony for one last verse.

This is the potential breakup song
Our album needs just one
Oh baby please
Please tell me
This is the potential make-up song
Please just admit you're wrong
Which will it be?
Which will it be?

The music came to a halting stop, leaving the entire building silent. The audience erupted into riotous cheers. Aria relished in the glory, smiling and waving, whereas Raven gave a small bashful smile. Robin was speechless; all he could do was to gape at the girl who continued to surprise him. Raven and Aria finally walked out of the spotlight, Raven literally dragging Aria by her arm.

"Your girl's got some pipes, I'll give you that," Beast Boy spoke to Cyborg.

"She's not my girl, at least not anymore," Cyborg replied.

"Their singing was most wondrous, we should commend them for their delightful entertainment," Starfire awed.

"Star, I don't think that's such a..." Cyborg started, but the alien princess was already on her way to their booth. By the time the rest of the team had reached their table, Starfire was in the middle of profusely congratulating them.

"Thanks," Aria responded. Raven, on the other hand, nodded her thanks, avoiding eye contact.

"Victor," Aria greeted coolly as he approached.

"Hey, Aria," Cyborg rubbed the back of his head. Despite the tension thickening in the atmosphere, Robin was unaware of it all. His mind was consumed of thoughts of the mysterious empath now seated before him. With every unexpected detail he learned about her, Raven became more of a stranger. This just drew Robin in even more though, giving him the chance to finally solve the enigma that was Raven. Suddenly, a nudge on the arm from Beast Boy reminded him that reality was still there.

"Dude it doesn't get much better than this," he muttered. Robin finally took note of the escalation of harsh words between Cyborg and Aria.

"So, I'm the bad guy?! Who's the one with a guy at Couples' Night?!" Cyborg exclaimed, his eyes sparking with irritation.

"This is my brother, jackass," Aria retorted. Robin looked at the blonde haired boy sitting across from Raven. The boy seemed genuinely uncomfortable with the amount of hostility in the air.

'Okay, so Raven's hanging out with guys outside the Titans, that's new,' Robin thought, for some reason not okay with this thought.

"Sorry man, I didn't know," Cyborg apologized to him.

"Oh yeah, no worries," he extended a hand but immediately retracted it after a sharp glance from his sister.

"Y'know what? I'm so done with you and this whole thing, whatever it was," Aria spoke up. "The fact is, you didn't call. Simple as that. Even if you didn't feel the same as I did, I would've appreciated you telling me so. But no, you weren't man enough to do so. Instead you had me checking my phone every five minutes expecting a call from this guy I really liked. But you know what? The joke's on me because turns out you weren't that guy."

Raven delicately placed a hand on her friend's shoulder after her emotional outburst. Robin raised his eyebrows behind the dark shades he was wearing. Raven was usually so adamant against physical contact in the slightest. Then again, Robin had learned he didn't know her like he thought he did.

"I think we should go somewhere and talk privately," Cyborg murmured.

"Oh, so now you want to talk," Aria rolled her eyes.

"Aria, please," Cyborg pleaded.

"Fine," Aria turned to Raven. "If I'm not back in five minutes, I'm on my way to jail for aggravated assault."

With the absence of the lovely couple, there was an awkward silence between the five of them until the boy broke in.

"Umm...hi?"

"Greetings, what is your name?" Starfire queried.

"Hale," he clarified.

"What an intriguing name!"Starfire smiled.

"Uhh, thanks?" Hale said.

"She's not from around here," Robin said somewhat curtly. Hale nodded his head understandingly. Beast Boy must have decided it was his time to embarrass himself for the night as he slid into the booth next to Raven. Before he had a chance to speak, she spoke in a low voice saying, "No, never. Ever."

"Oh, you resemble our friend Raven very much so," Starfire interjected.

"I guess I just have one of those faces," Raven spoke softly, looking away. A soft, melodious tune of a new song came from the speakers interrupting any further conversation.

"How about a dance, senorita?" Beast Boy was persistent. Raven simply rolled her eyes and offered a hand to Hale. The two of them headed to the center of the floor, leaving a sulky Beast Boy and a surprised Robin.

"Robin, would you like to dance with me?" Starfire asked.

"Yes, Star, I would," Robin grinned. They followed the rest of the couples onto the dance floor. Despite having the beautiful alien secured in his arms, Robin couldn't help but cast glances in Raven's direction. Seeing her in another guy's arms stirred something in him. Was it jealousy?

'No I can't be jealous, it's Raven,' Robin rejected the thought. But as they continued to dance, he couldn't deny that he was jealous. Bitterness swept through Robin as he watched how Hale held Raven by her waist and how she wrapped her hands around his neck. She had a small, genuine smile as if Hale had said something funny. Why couldn't she be this open around him? As the song resumed, Robin's envy worsened.

So, will you never be my lover or my valentine?

Never be a friend of mine, never see my better side

Baby, you'd be terrified

Of all the secrets you were wishing you won't ever find

Is deep inside me

Raven gazed over Hale's shoulder and Robin followed where her stare was directed. She was looking at the blonde girl who had let them in. Raven whispered something in Hale's ear and a cold fury spread throughout Robin.

And I don't wanna hide me

Hale gave her a hesitant look after Raven finished. She simply nodded her head and smiled. He took a deep breath and began to walk towards the blonde girl.

Cause I know about my love

After a minute's conversation, the blonde girl smiled and nodded her head. The two of them began to dance holding each other close. Robin glanced back at Raven and was surprised to see a pleased smile on her face. Despite the smile, he could see a wistfulness almost longing in her eyes. She looked back at him and their concealed eyes met for a second. This time, however, she immediately turned around, vanishing among the crowd.

Cause I know about my love

Robin felt a tiny ache in his heart as he watched her leave. He glanced down at the redhead in his arms and for some reason he did not have that same feeling he felt when they first danced together.

Pick up fast and I could fly away from here (Fly away)

Although I feel at home whenever you are near

I love you but I can't cold-cut to this

(So, just don't cut it, I want you near)

I wish you'd hold me open and just to see your vision clear

(I'm always here)

"Hey, Star," Robin said.

"Yes?" she answered.

"You wouldn't mind if I went to the restroom real quick right?" he asked.

"Oh, well..." Starfire started but was interrupted by the masked boy.

"Besides I think Beast Boy is kind of lonely without anyone to dance with," Robin added.

"Okay, but be sure to come back," Starfire said.

"Of course," Robin smiled.