Just Drabbles
Really gotta make a standard disclaimer for the Teen Titans are not under my ownership.
Chapter 19: Alphabetic Love II
Gingerbread
The atmosphere of Titans Tower was comfortable yet oddly silent. Christmas was around the corner and four out of five teens were bustling around the kitchen. Raven was hovering by the stove, exchanging her customary herbal tea for the wintry flavor of peppermint. Beast Boy eagerly "testing" the freshly baked cookies, only grinning as Raven slapped his hand away from the cooling baking tray. Cyborg carefully piped lines of frosting, tongue between his lips as he concentrated on placing logs made of gingerbread on top the frosting creating the foundation of a gingerbread house while Starfire cut out various holiday designed cookies.
As she worked, the normally cheerful girl let out a sigh.
"What's got ya down little lady?" Cyborg asked.
"I understand that Christmas is meant to be a joyous holiday," Starfire began. "But without Robin's presence, this day does not seem complete."
"Ah, don't worry about Rob," Beast Boy said dismissively. "If the guy can pass up a movie night, do you really think he'd refuse saying 'no' to Christmas?"
Starfire frowned, her shoulders slumping. Raven glared at the changeling before suggesting, "Well, this is his first Christmas away from Gotham. Maybe he's avoiding the holiday because he doesn't want to admit he misses spending time with Batman."
Starfire's expression became thoughtful as she let Raven's reasoning sink in. She then abandoned the cookie cutters and dug her fingers into the smooth, fragrant mixture.
Robin sighed and stretched. He had been in his room organizing case files when for once in his life he had yielded to his mind's desire for a break and decided to unwind by shamelessly playing a computer game he had confiscated from Beast Boy who had been playing it instead of doing the dishes like he was assigned to do. Robin turned at the sound of a gentle knock and smiled.
"Come on in Star," he invited.
The door opened and closed, leaving the princess standing inside Robin's room. She was holding a plate in her hands. The tantalizing aroma of gingerbread took on a life of its own and danced before Robin making his stomach growl. Starfire smiled and floated over to her friend, gently placing the plate on his desk. She silently wrapped him in a hug.
As he welcomed her embrace, Robin glanced at the plate. Amidst a flurry of snowflakes, trees and smiling Santa cookies, lay three unique cookies. One was configured to look like the Batman insignia, another resembled Titans Tower. When Robin saw the third treat, he smiled and placed a hand over Starfire's arm and whispered, "Thanks Star."
The third cookie was of a simple circular shape. Adorning it was frosting, painstakingly painted on as script. There was a "J", "M" and a "D" so closely entwined with a "G".
It was their secret.
Handsome
"Would you quit demon walking?!" A tenor voice cried out in frustration. It seemed like the owner of that voice would tear out handfuls of his hair, sink to his knees and shake his fists at the heavens. The person he was yelling at was a scarlet haired girl who rolled her eyes as she stopped her irate walked and glared at her follower, hands on hips. Her tense stance relaxed slightly when she saw him bend over double trying to catch his breath, exhaustion creeping into his sapphire eyes.
Richard glanced up at newly befriended Kory Anders who was looking back at him coolly. Perhaps acquaintances was a better term for the bond between the young heir of Wayne Enterprises and the fiery tempered waitress. "Why do you insist on escorting me around the mall?" She asked exasperated. "I know, I've mentioned men making advances toward me but I can handle myself." She arched an eyebrow, "Do you think I am arm candy for you Mr. Grayson?"
Richard sighed. "No, of course not Kory. I'm not escorting you around the mall, I actually am here for work." The look on Kory's face drifted between surprise and skepticism. Richard swept a hand toward the holiday decorations trimming the mall. "I volunteer as a Santa giving out presents at the children's hospital. I saw you also head to the toy store, where I was going to pick up the toys and was hoping you'd tolerate my company for a mere five minute walk during which we could get to know each other."
Kory felt chagrin wash over her. "I-I am sorry, Richard. I shouldn't have been so quick to judge." She ran a hand through her wispy bangs and gestured toward the corridor before them. "Do you still want to walk with me or has my ice cold demeanor made you believe your company is permanently unwelcome?"
Richard shot her a lopsided smile and began walking, Kory quickly falling into step with him. As they passed a display case showcasing business attire, the latter halted, the former not noticing she had paused until he was three feet away. Richard quickly rejoined her and looked at the mannequin she was staring at. He groaned and in a pleading voice he said, "Please tell me you don't think of me as a mannequin."
Kory smiled slightly. "That was my first impression upon meeting you," she admitted. "That you were like a flesh and blood Ken doll, a hopeless Romeo." She turned her jade gaze onto him. "You still are a Romeo," Richard grabbed his heart and pretended to be fatally wounded by her words. Kory stifled a giggle. "However, you are not quite as fake and chauvinistic as I believed you to be."
"The one time she catches me looking in a mirror and I'm labeled as chauvinistic for life," Richard muttered under his breath.
This time Kory did giggle. "I wouldn't go so far as to say labeled for life, but occasionally teased. You are rather handsome nd much more preferable to a mannequin." Her grin then became teasing. "But don't let my compliments swell your head too much, then perhaps the mannequin would be preferable."
Richard returned her grin. "Well, if I was forced to switch places with the man behind the glass, I don't think I'd mind the company."
Confused, Kory turned to look back at the display case. The black haired, cerulean eyed mannequin's hand was entwined with a scarlet haired emerald eyed female. Hiding her blush, Kory gave Richard a small shove and said "Come on Saint Nick. Don't you have toys you need to pick up?"
Ivory
To Robin, Starfire's skin could be called golden, flawlessly tanned, exotic and sun kissed whereas his own would be pale, translucent or pasty. To Starfire, his skin was like ivory.
Joy
Each time the Titans went to the pier to enjoy a night free of crime, Robin made sure to take Starfire on the Ferris Wheel to watch fireworks, cotton candy in hand. As she admired the night display, Robin watched with rapture the joy that danced in her emerald eyes.
Just a quick note, to fully understand Handsome, read My Cold Hearted Valentine because it's like a tie-in. I couldn't resist working with "Icy" Kory.