Ball Games 2 - Oom-pah-pah
Well, 10 reviews after that tiny chapter? I am humbled by your interest. I think I mentioned tuxedos on tumblr but that was my mistake, I see them wearing dress suits but tuxedos might be too far. On to the next bit!
Beast Boy and Robin sat in the common room. Or rather, Beast Boy sat and Robin paced incessantly while they waited for their dates. The changeling was more amused than irritated, watching the unflappable leader working himself up over whatever Starfire was wearing. He idly wondered about Raven's dress choice but didn't wonder for long: if he was brutally honest, he didn't really care that much. He glanced down at himself again, strangely comfortable in the unfamiliar clothes. He wore a black dress suit and, the tailor having decided to include some colour after all, a purple waistcoat with a black shirt and matching purple tie. He liked it and had strutted for a while, admiring his reflection in the windows. Robin had begun to mutter to himself, unintelligibly. He sighed: the comedy value was wearing thin.
"Dude, just sit down. Pacing won't help her get here any sooner, Beast Boy explained. Robin glanced in his direction but otherwise ignored him, continuing his route. Beast Boy shook his head and then lay gazing at the ceiling. Despite his earlier misgivings, he though tonight might be a lot of fun, presuming he could stay on Raven's good side. He smirked at that. True, his humour had finally matured to the point where he could engage with Raven's wit but that didn't stop him from laughing at fart noises now and then. Suddenly, the pacing stopped and Beast Boy swore he heard Robin's jaw drop. Following his gaze, he saw Starfire and felt his own eyes widen at the alien princess. She wore a wine red, strapless dress that fit her athletic form very snugly. When she took a step towards Robin, a slit in the skirt from a little above her left knee was made evident. She wore matching heels and, in the back, the shimmering material pooled on the floor. Robin was grateful for his mask as he fought not to stare at her chest. The dress hit the perfect balance between elegance and, well... sexiness. At least to Robin's eyes. He managed to look at her face and grinned dopily at her: she wore only light make up and some intense red lipstick to match her dress. Robin finally found his voice.
"Star... you look stunning," he said simply. Starfire smiled gently and held her hand out for him to take.
"Thank you, Robin. You also look very dashing in your suit. And you as well, Beast Boy," Starfire said. Beast Boy grinned at the compliment: even if it was almost an afterthought, being told you looked dashing by a woman who looked like that felt damn good. Then he heard the door open again and in walked Raven. Once again the young men were silent with wide eyes, Beast Boy wondering if there was any real danger of his eyebrows shooting from his face to the ceiling. Her dress was a deep, midnight blue - her favourite colour - and a little shorter than Star's. While the hem did reach the floor, there was no fabric trailing along behind her. The neckline was a little more conservative as well, not showing any cleavage at all but, as Raven fiddled with her clothes and purse and turned away for a moment, they all saw the straps come over her shoulders and only meet again below the middle of her back, leaving her skin exposed. Again, the skirt had a slit on the left, revealing the pale grey skin that somehow enhanced the blue colour of the dress. Her hair was styled a little differently with a side parting and her hair sweeping around her cheek on the right, all held in place by cunningly concealed clips. Starfire had succeeded in persuading the demoness to wear a little eye shadow but no other cosmetics had been approved. As he stared, Beast Boy decided she didn't need it. He had seen her legs almost every day but the skin on her back was similarly flawless and he found himself wondering if it was due to her heritage... and if all of her skin was so perfect. He quickly shook that thought away, though he had to admit it: Raven was hot! While she still fiddled with her purse, Beast Boy heard Robin emit a laughably false 'ahem'. Looking over, Beast Boy saw him gesturing toward Raven with his head. The penny dropped: Robin expected him to go all gooey like he had with Starfire. He shook his head but approached her, ready to pay her a compliment in a way he knew she would appreciate: self-deprecating.
"Hi, Rae. What do you think of the suit?" he said, holding his hands out to his sides. Raven, finished with whatever she had been doing, gave him a critical once over. She had already decided to be generous or civil at least but, seeing him now, she was able to be merely honest.
"You look very nice, Beast Boy," she remarked, sounding a little forced even if it was genuine. The green man grinned and stuffed his hands into his pockets, Robin glaring at the back of his head.
"I thought so... until I saw you, Rae. If we walk in together, I'm gonna look like a hobo next to you," he laughed. Raven smirked but enjoyed the warmth of the compliment. Mischief shone in her eyes.
"Are you saying you don't always get that reaction?" she teased. For once, Beast Boy didn't take the bait.
"I'm saying you should stop picking on me and take the damn compliment, Rae," he replied, still smiling and laughter in his voice. Raven's smirk blossomed into a small smile.
"Very well. Thank you, Beast Boy," Raven replied, turning back to the door, pausing for a moment to look at Beast again. "You do look nice, though."
"Thanks, Rae, you too. You look great," he replied easily. He offered his arm with a grin and Raven slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow as they both exited. Robin stared after them with an amused smile.
"I guess that means we're leaving. Ready Star?" he asked. The alien nodded and similarly clutched Robin's arm as they followed. When they reached the garage, the team discovered that Robin had acquired a second car for them to use while Cyborg collected Sarah in the T-Car. Beast Boy goggled at it.
"Is that-?" he attempted.
"Yyyyup," Robin confirmed, arms crossed smugly.
"A real one?" Beast Boy asked incredulously.
"Mm-hm," Robin assured him. The two young men stood and gazed at the sleek, black marvel before them.
"You got a loan of the Batmobile!?" Beast Boy questioned again, still in disbelief.
"A Batmobile," Robin corrected. "Batman has more of these than you might think. This one was designed in case he had to transport VIPs or witnesses or something. Not surprisingly, no one has ever asked the Batman to shuttle VIPs so it was just gathering dust. There's more than enough room and I feel safer doing this myself instead of hiring a limo or something. Anyway, we should get going. Open." At Robin's command, the Batmobile doors opened. Considering it's original purpose, this car had doors in the side instead of the usual sliding canopy. As the doors slid back, Robin eased himself into the driver's seat and adjusted himself. Beast Boy sat in the front passenger seat, trying to look at everything at once. Robin warned him not to touch any buttons while their companions slid into the back seats. With the push of a button, the powerful engine roared to life, causing Robin and Beast Boy to grin. The lights flared and the car barreled down the tunnel to the mainland. The trip was largely uneventful, though the sight of a Batmobile obeying traffic lights caused a stir in the city and, unbeknownst to the occupants, the sight of the vehicle caused a would-be mugger to rethink his chances and return home for the night.
"Where exactly are we going, anyway?" Raven asked. Robin grumbled for a moment - that had been in the memo.
"The Jump Gardens Country Club. It's more like a small mansion, really." Raven shrugged at the information, not really caring either way. Soon enough, the black car pulled up at the entrance, attracting attention from other arriving guests. After the Titans disembarked, an uncertain looking valet walked up to Robin, hand outstretched to take the keys. Robin looked coolly at the man and, without looking away, issued a command. "Batmobile. Auto-drive, destination: Titans Tower." The Batmobile restarted and made its own way back to the Tower, much to the valet's amazement and secret relief. The Titans paired up again and walked to the entrance, seeing the doors were flanked by journalists and paparazzi. As they had feared, several fired questions at Beast Boy and Raven about their new 'relationship'. Beast Boy took the time to address them.
"Guys! Guys, we're just here as teammates so don't write the headlines yet!" More questions came flying but the heroes ignored them and walked into the country club. The interior was massive and almost impossibly ornate. Before the surrounding splendour made them uncomfortable, the Mayor was there with them, shaking hands enthusiastically and blithering on about the good work the TItans had done. Robin nodded and smiled politely in the face of the verbal onslaught but otherwise refrained from responding. Raven glanced around and spotted Cyborg in the distance, wearing a blue/grey three piece suit that covered his oversized frame. He was smiling down at Sarah, who smiled back and the seemed to my conversing rather intimately. Raven nudged Beast Boy with her elbow, tipping her head towards Cyborg.
"There's Cyborg. Shall we go and let him know we're here?" she said. Beast Boy peered at them and then shook his head.
"Nah, not yet. Looks like we might interrupt something. You hungry? We could check out whatever food they've got laid out." Raven thought and nodded, the pair leaving Robin and Starfire to the Mayor. Minutes later, they had plates with expensive but small foodstuffs and had found a relatively quiet corner to enjoy them. Raven reminded Beast Boy to exercise restraint, no matter how hungry he was and no matter how unsatisfying the food was. Raven popped one of the morsels into her mouth and closed her eyes.
"This food... is amazing," she sighed. Beast Boy nodded emphatically.
"I know! It's just a shame there isn't more of it," Beast Boy replied, chuckling. As Raven enjoyed her food, Beast Boy found himself glancing at her. The little sounds of contentment she made as she ate were strangely compelling and, even though he tried not to, he found himself glancing at Raven's bare arms, her violet hair, the black choker with a red gem to match her chakra - Hmmm... hadn't noticed that before now - and the way the dress accentuated her athletic figure. He shook himself and forced his gaze toward the dance floor, which was starting to fill up. He thought about joining in, though he only knew one suitable dance and the music wasn't right. Besides, he doubted Raven would be interested. Raven interrupted his mental wandering.
"You know... this isn't so bad," she said, quietly. Beast Boy smirked.
"The party or spending the night with me?" he asked. Raven smirked back.
"Careful. If one of those reporters overheard that they'll be writing about our torrid affair within the hour." Beast Boy laughed at that.
"Okay then, the party or being with me at the party?" he rephrased. Raven paused, looking artfully thoughtful, even tapping her chin.
"The party is nice. The company is..." she glanced sideways at him. "...tolerable," she said with another smirk.
"Tolerance is so hot... Raven, you aren't trying to seduce innocent, little me, are you?" Raven's smirk bloomed into a smile, accompanied by an amused chuckle. Beast Boy grinned at the rare event. So far, this had been a good night. The night passed and the pair saw that Robin was still firmly in the clutches of the Mayor, though Starfire's hand in his kept him pleasant. They also finally met up with Cyborg and Sarah, though they soon moved away again for more private conversation, though Cyborg's pointed looks at them made Beast Boy groan. Later, as the event was reaching its conclusion, Beast Boy suddenly lost interest in Raven's conversation. A little miffed, Raven prodded his ribs.
"See something more interesting out there, Beast Boy?" she asked, indicating the women still dancing. Beast Boy looked momentarily confused before it hit him.
"Huh? Oh! No, Rae, that isn't it. It's the music," he said.
"What about it?" Raven asked, a little less snappily.
"They're playing a waltz..." his eyes became unfocused, Raven tapping his shoulder to bring him back to awareness.
"Beast Boy?"
"Huh? Sorry, Rae..." he murmured.
"Why is a waltz important, Beast Boy?" Raven asked, sincerely. He gave her long, hard look.
"When I was a kid, I saw something on the TV, it doesn't matter what, but it had kids in it going to a school dance. I never really went to school, Rae. So when Rita -Elasti-girl - saw me, she taught me how to dance. She taught me the waltz and it's still the only real dance I know. She put on some music and let me dance with her all night... or until bedtime, anyway." Beast Boy shook his head with a grin that quickly collapsed into a wistful, sad expression. "I haven't thought about that for years," he said, still watching the dancers. Raven watched his face, sensing his sadness. And longing. Making her mind up, she took his plate, put it with hers on a nearby table and held out her hand.
"If you're willing to risk your toes, Beast Boy, would you like to dance?" Raven asked. He smiled gratefully and took her hand.
"Anything for you, Rae," he said, more of their playful flirting... though it felt heavier at the moment. He led her onto the floor, at the edge out of the way, and held her right hand in his left, put her left hand on his right shoulder and rested his right hand on her waist. She momentarily stiffened at the touch but quickly relaxed. As he explained, they both watched their feet, then he stepped back with his left foot, bringing his right foot to join it soon after. Raven had followed with her right, then her left and they had turned, anti-clockwise, while they moved. Soon, they were waltzing with everyone else, smiling at each other. When the music finally stopped, the pair found themselves strangely unwilling to release the other, separating with pink cheeks. Raven declared she was thirsty and returned to the refreshment table. Beast Boy made to join her when a large, metallic hand clamped down on his shoulder, turning him around to face a disturbingly jubilant Cyborg.
"Soooooooooooo... you guys are having fun?" Cyborg said. Beast Boy sighed in frustration.
"Come on, Cy, let it go already. We're just friends," he replied. Cyborg glanced over Beast Boy's shoulder.
"In that case, it won't bother you she's being hit on by some rich dude, then," he said. Beast Boy's head whipped around. True enough, Raven stood with a cup of water while a tall, blond, grinning young man leaned on the table, leaning towards her. Beast Boy couldn't say why but was immediately certain he disliked this person. He needed to get over there. Fortunately, Cyborg had been swept away by Sarah so he wouldn't have to explain his actions. He started marching toward Raven and the man before uncertainty slowed him. What was he doing? Acting jealous? He wasn't jealous! And even if he was, it wasn't his business who Raven talked with. His resolve blunted, he shuffled toward the far end of the refreshment table. He got himself a soft drink and sipped it, unwillingly glancing at Raven every few seconds. When he had finally managed to keep his eyes away, he was called very unexpectedly.
"Beast Boy!" Raven called, causing him to turn and see her waving her hand at him, encouraging him to join her. Unsure, he did just that, secretly enjoying the bemused look on the blond man's face. "This is Ryan," she said when he arrived. "Apparently, his family is paying for most of tonight's festivities." Beast Boy forced politeness and shook the man's hand. There was a little more small talk and, unfortunately, Ryan turned out to be a decent guy, if a little spoiled. Then it came: Ryan offered to take Raven out to dinner next weekend.
"It'll be fun, Raven. My family owns a lovely italian restaurant not far from here. It'd be nice to have a little more time in your company." Beast Boy made as if he'd seen something across the room but he really just wanted to look away. They were just friends... so why was he feeling so abandoned?
"No thank you, Ryan. It's a kind offer but... no. Thank you." With that, Raven shook Ryan's hand again and walked away, Beast Boy following her, mouth agape.
"Rae?" he said. Raven turned to face him, waiting for him to continue. "Why'd you shoot him down? He seems like a nice enough guy." He had no idea why he was trying to defend the guy all of a sudden but the question was there now.
"He doesn't know me," Raven answered simply. Beast Boy chuckled incredulously.
"He was trying to get to know you, Rae," he responded.
"And when he did, he wouldn't be interested," Raven retorted. She spoke again before Beast Boy could interrupt. "I know why he was talking to me. I could sense exactly why he was interested..." A faint blush on Beast Boy's face showed he had understood what she meant.
"But... if you won't see anyone who doesn't know you but won't let anyone get to know you..." Beast Boy started, miserably.
"It's alright, Beast Boy. I've always known that anyone who knew the real me wouldn't want anything to do with me," Raven said, quieter than usual. Beast Boy was dumbfounded: where was this coming from? The way she playfully countered his occasionally risqué banter made her seem so self-confident. His musings stopped when he realised she was still talking. "I mean, the only people who know me are the Titans. And - be honest, Beast Boy - would you date me? No you wo-"
"Yes."
"W-what?"
Aaaaand this seems like an opportune, if slightly cruel place to stop. To those who got this far, I hope you weren't too bored by this chapter. I wanted to juxtapose the long, casual, enjoyable but dull evening with the very short moment at the end where everything gets turned upside-down. Let me know what you think!
-Jack