Ball Games 5 - Deal

Okay! Let's see where Raven and Beast Boy end up after their walk.

Much to her private embarrassment, Raven struggled not to hum a jaunty tune as she walked, her hand clasped firmly by another. Beast Boy's hand. The Orb of Connection had made it all very real and, with that evidence before her, suddenly Raven could easily admit to herself that she felt an attraction to Beast Boy. That admission filled her with a lightness and nervous excitement she had never experienced before and that, apparently, led to humming.

Weird.

She turned her gaze to the young man who walked with her. For the moment, his attention was elsewhere, gazing across the street at a nearby park. She took full advantage, letting her eyes sweep across his frame. Now that she could admit her interest, she didn't feel remotely embarrassed as she examined him, the way his muscles moved beneath his skin as they walked. She noted with some surprise that, though he would never be tall, he had grown since they had first gathered together. How had she not noticed? The answer was obvious, if a little shameful: she had not bothered to look. That only made her eyes hungrier, taking in every detail she could see. She felt the strength in his hands, the confidence in his walk. Like every Titan, he was fit as few people understood the word and it showed in the way he carried himself. She raised her gaze and continued her examination. His jaw line was strong, his mouth quick to smile. His ears were... kind of cute. And his eyes... wait. His eyes?

"Checking me out, Rae?" Beast Boy asked, his face morphing into an exaggerated, smug grin. Raven decided to trip him up, adhering to her promise of complete honesty.

"Yes," she said, matter-of-factly. For a moment, it looked like Beast Boy really would trip. Literally. His feet collided beneath him but he was able to save himself before he fell and dragged Raven with him. He blushed and rubbed the back of his head with his free hand. Raven could feel the exhilaration and nervousness pouring from him.

"Well! That's, ummm... that's cool. I guess," he said, lamely. A spark of indecision appeared in his eyes before he spoke, reluctantly. "What's the verdict?" Raven didn't flinch. She didn't hesitate. Her emotions whooped and hollered as she inched closer as they walked.

"I have concluded you are, as they say, 'easy on the eyes' Beast Boy," she said. Her mouth curved into a delicate smile as he beamed, face bright red. Bizarrely, he wished he still had that connection orb thingy, fancying that that little red ribbon had just got a little brighter. Meh... who needs it. The day was going better than he could ever have hoped or dreamed. Naturally, at that very moment, the real world crashed around them. A scream across the street set them both into hero mode as their heads whipped around, spying a young woman being mugged. The thief made off with her shopping and she screamed her helpless frustration until she was hoarse. The pair of heroes ran across the road, pursuing the man. They found him hiding behind a large tree, rifling through his stolen prize. Apparently, it was not all he hoped it would be.

"What the... what is this junk?! Art supplies? I though this had to be worth somethin', the way she held onto it. Stupid bi-"

"Hold it! Drop the bag and raise your hands!" Beast Boy's voice cut through the mugger's anger and yet, when he saw them, he laughed.

"Hahahahahahaa! What are you gonna do, kiddies? Hahahaha!" Beast Boy and Raven were incredulous. The mugger gathered himself and wiped a tear of merriment from his eye.

"Hey! Don't laugh at us, jerkwad!" Raven twitched at Beast Boy's insult, not sure if she was irritated or amused. The mugger's expression became stormy.

"Don't overstep, kid. I won't hurt you but I might change my mind if you keep jawin' at me. Oh and, if you wanna play superhero while your cosplayin' with your girlfriend, maybe don't hold hands next time. It kills the illusion." With that, the chuckling criminal turned his back and strolled away. He turned back when a loud growling reached him. To his dismay, a large, green wolf stood there, flanked by a hovering sorceress. He raised his hands.

Later, the police took the mugger away, having already taken the statements of Beast Boy, Raven and the victim. She had been very glad to get her shopping back. Extremely glad. Enough to arouse Beast Boy's curiosity.

"If you don't mind me asking, why'd you fight so hard for a cheap paint set?" he asked. The woman looked down at her shoes, hesitating before answering.

"My son, Stephen... it's his birthday. Times have been a little rough lately and... well, I spent a little money on him. His teacher says he has a gift. I could barely afford this one, so replacing it would have been impossible. Thank you. Thank you both so, so much." The woman seized both their hands and squeezed tight. Beast Boy tried to smile but couldn't shake his troubled expression. Raven, now that she touched the woman, could feel her fear and anxiety under the surface. Raven looked at Beast Boy quizzically - he was looking back at her, conflict in his eyes. Then he returned his attention to the woman before them.

"Ma'am... have you ever heard of the Logan Foundation?" She shook her head 'no'. "I know it's hard to ask for help sometimes but I want you to talk to them. They offer help to families in crisis, financial or otherwise. Here..." he reached into his pocket and pulled out a plain business card. "Call this number and tell them I referred you. When they ask, give them this password." He scribbled a single word on the card with a pen. The woman glanced back up at him, gratitude and relief warring with her shame and sense of dignity. Raven sensed this and stepped in.

"There's no shame in taking help when it's offered. There's no shame in needing help or asking for it. This isn't a handout. You've stumbled, is all. Beast Boy can help you back to your feet." Raven felt Beast Boy's eyes on her but resolutely kept hers on the woman. She sighed as she felt her doubts crumble away, relieved beyond words that someone had reached out to her. Tears filled her eyes and she thanked them again, this time throwing her arms around an awkward but pleased Beast Boy. Some time later, they sat on the tower's roof, watching the sky change colour as the day ended. Raven hadn't asked the obvious question, though she was definitely curious. She could tell Beast Boy wanted to tell her but she waited until he was certain.

"You know about my parents, right?" he said. He hadn't taken his eyes away from the skyline and Raven did the same, keeping her gaze forward, when she answered.

"I do."

"Well, one thing I might not have mentioned... they were loaded," he said. Raven looked at him now, finding him already looking at her.

"Define 'loaded'," she said. He laughed.

"Millions, Rae. Millions and millions. Some was inherited but they also had a few patents. They passed on to me so the money just keeps piling up. I never had money growing up, not after my parents anyway. That much wealth... just makes me uncomfortable. I didn't even know about it til I turned eighteen, when this lawyer guy calls me and tells me I'm a millionaire. I decided that, even if I couldn't live with it, I could do some good. For people that never had money growing up. I guess I'll use it some day, if and when we leave this place but for now... I don't feel right with it." Beast Boy was silent for a long while. Raven watched him carefully. She could feel his conflict: relief at confessing his secret and fear that it would change her perception of him and that others would find out. She made a decision.

"I love Gossip Girl," she said. Beast Boy's head spun to regard her, his face incredulous and confused.

"You-"

"I love Gossip Girl. I have all of the books and the DVDs. I'm not sure why but it captivated me," Raven said, glancing at the befuddled Beast Boy. "There. Now you have one of my secrets in exchange. I'll keep yours if you keep mine." Beast blinked a few times before grinning.

"Deal, Rae!" he laughed, sticking out his hand to shake hers. She did so but, when the gesture was complete, they were unwilling to let go. Indeed, Beast Boy's grip tightened a little, squeezing her hand while his heart pounded at the sight of her. They stared and stared, neither daring to move. If they moved forward, everything would change, possible too quickly and too soon. If they moved backward, the spell would be broken. They stared and stared. Finally, Raven looked away, her cheeks aflame and the corners of her mouth curling into a coy smile.

"Well... that was something," she said. Beast Boy had yet to come to his senses and only shook his head in mild amazement at her.

"I can't believe I never saw it before. You are so. Beautiful." Raven's eyed widened, her placid veneer stripped away by his candour. She still didn't quite believe it, though she was starting to believe that he believed it. Beast Boy's sense returned and he had the decency to cringe in embarrassment. "Uh.. I mean. Ummmm... yeah. Sorry, Rae. I just... I'm sorry."

"Don't say that," Raven said, a little alarmed at the lump in her throat and the slight sting in her eyes. "Don't apologise for saying that." Beast Boy smirked, his humour shining in his eyes.

"Careful, Rae. You'll have me thinking you like it when I talk to you that way," he joked, giving her a chance to shrug off the weight of the conversation with a witty retort. She only smiled.

"In moderation, I suppose I could live with it," she replied, eventually. She stood and headed for the door, Beast Boy standing with her but remaining still.

"Goodnight, Raven," he said in a low voice, heavy with meaning. Raven turned to face him.

"Goodnight, Garfield," she responded. He almost melted on the spot. Still, he was nervous that this was the end of it. Until she glanced over her shoulder and spoke again. "I'll see you tomorrow?" she said, the words coming out as a question, showing she felt the same anxiety.

"Of course. Sweet dreams, sweetheart." He thought for a moment he had pushed it too far with that but she smirked in amusement, shaking her head as she disappeared through the door. Once she was out of sight, Beast Boy sighed and sat again, legs dangling over the edge. He realised with a start that they had only spent one day together and he was already falling for her. Hard. Made dizzy by the truth. he grinned nonetheless and watched the night sky for a time before seeking his own bed. In her room, Raven brushed her hair before bed. As she sat, she watched her own reflection and thought out loud.

"'Sweetheart', eh? A little on the nose... but I've been called worse." She retired and slept easily, dreaming of warm hands and glowing red ribbons.

And there you have it. Sorry I kept people waiting. I hope you enjoy it! I've done my thing where I take something light and make it all deep and soul-searchy. Oh, Jack! Anyway, let me know, dudes!

-Jack