Ch. 7: Home Sweet Home?
Eventually our day off had to end. But since we're Titans we had to end it with a bang! Not only did we build two massive sand structures (guess who won?), but were also invited to the beach barbeque and fireworks show later that night. We were actually allowed to blend into the crowd without having any crazed fans attack us. Another eating contest was announced, so all of us participated, save BB. Even Rae held her own, though it was funny to see her turn a familiar shade of green! After the amazing light show post-barbeque, we packed our gear and headed home in the T-car.
Both couples sat in the back, B at the window with an arm around Rae who's head rested on his shoulder, while Star leaned against Night's chest (Just how many people could we fit in this thing anyway?). Cyborg and I took the front and were the only one's awake for the ride. "So," I started casually, "How's Bee?" He grinned, relaxing his right arm back while his left stayed on the wheel.
"She's doing alright. Her boys are driving her crazy, but what else is new? We're goin' on a date pretty soon, so that'll be cool." I smiled at the excitement in his voice. He'd probably wear his holo-ring, and look like any normal teenager….this thought caused be to ask something I probably shouldn't have. "Cy?" There was pause as if he knew what I was going to ask. "You never finished high school did you?" The increase of the car's speed was only slightly evident, as he seemed to focus more close on the road ahead.
We sat in silence for a while, until he sighed and closed his eyes for a split second. "Yeah," He breathed, "I didn't get a chance to finish my education, not that I need it now. I've got a variety of degrees up here." He tapped his cranium with a metal finger, "Besides it was hard to focus whenever one's staring at you and whispering behind your back. Especially when you know they're not talking about how you were the school's football star. What was it like for you again?"
As much as I didn't want to sound as if I was bragging, I started to chat about my school experience. Going more in depth than any of my previous time, I told him about my best friends, test I took, 'rivals' I had, my championship win in volleyball, and boys who had broken my heart…and vice versa. At that thought, I looked back at BB, who was dozing with a big grin on his face. Cy cut his eye at me, and with a low whisper asked me a question that could have very well been rhetorical. "You think he hates you, don't ya?" I turned away and didn't both to answer, but did pout and cross my arms.
He laughed a little and I cocked an eyebrow at him, which only caused him to crack him up further. This earned him a glare which I had learned from Rae. Cy took a deep breath, "I-I'm sorry! You and Raven act so much alike that it's hard to tell who's rubbing off of whom. But no, B could never hate you-he doesn't have it in him." He tilted his head slightly, cricking out any tension before continuing.
"It's more so of him being disappointed with himself than with you. The second you showed up the boy was love-struck, and while I've always known that the green bean harbored feelings for Rae, you were his everything. When Slade sold you his lies and you bought them, BB felt as if he failed in protecting you. Probably why he's so protective of Rae, if not more,"
"Unconsciously he's always had her back and stood by her side more often than any of us. Of course, once he realized that she wasn't going to give him the response he needed, he more than willingly turned to you. Now I'm not calling you his second fiddle or somethin', but you did gave him the attention that Rae never really showed him despite all his attempts. You were light in his life, Roxy, will Rae was the dark." I looked at him with confusion as I mouthed 'Roxy?'
Cy nodded with a smile, "Its short for Roxanne. Can't be calling you Terra in public with what happened and all. They won't trust unless we change your name, 'sides you seem to like changing your name, Tara. I personally like the name Roxanne, considering your abilities, but we'll talk to Bird-boy about codenames tomorrow. Look, we're almost home." I looked up and noticed that were driving over the water heading towards the Tower.
Upon arrival in the garage, as if they all instant felt the presence of home, our friends began to stir and awaken. One by one they filed out of the car, even Cyborg leaving me alone in the car. They were almost near the elevator when I rolled down the window and called. "Hey, you guys! Who's taking me home!" They all stopped simultaneously, turning around and looking confused like I had asked something crazy. "What are you talking about, Terra? You are home." It was, surprisingly, BB who spoke.
"But I have to go and explain to my 'parents'-" At this point I was out of the car with my hands on my hips. Everyone's faces and reactions were telling me that they knew something I didn't: Cyborg looked surprised, Star looked innocently lost while both Rae and Night both smiled (BB had already shifted into a puppy and was asleep in his Bird's arms). I saw Cyborg lean in and whisper something to Nightwing.
Because sound rebounded of the quiet garage, I could hear them: "You didn't tell her?" Night put on a sheepish look and smile, hand running through his hair, "I was going to but I got distracted." I walked over to the group and looked Nightwing in the eye, "Didn't tell me what?" Gritting my teeth didn't intimidate him 'cause he smiled, "Nothing really, we called your parents during the party to explain the situation."
I gave an exasperated sigh. That was all? I thought it was something drastic. He then spoke again, "Or at least, a cover story of sorts. We told them that you had developed powers out of the blue and had decided to take you in as a Titan. They were ecstatic to say the least to have their daughter become a hero. They sent your stuff earlier, and it's upstairs as we speak. Now, who do you want to escort you to your room?"