This chapter was particularly difficult for me, simply because I'm Welsh and in Britain basically all cider is alcoholic, and certainly not seasonal. I have done some research on American and Canadian ciders and their relevance to Christmas, different ways they can be served etcetera, etcetera. But, it just sounds like fucking apple juice to me. Cider here is very different, and like I said, almost always an alcoholic beverage. I haven't really drunk cider in a long time, I've moved on to spirits. Strongbow do a great cider that was my drink of choice when I was like 12. Bulmers and Magners are good too, and Brothers do a toffee-apple cider, that shit is the best! Frosty Jack's is fucking strong stuff too, that stuff makes me spew. Cider tends to be quite sharp in taste and usually either apple or pear, not ever spiced unless part of a limited edition. So, you wanna talk British cider? I got the goods! American? Not so much.
Chapter twelve: Cider.
It was not a secret that Raven much preferred a cup of hot tea to any other beverage, often forgoing meals in favour of a steaming brew. She loved winter because of the vast variety of other, seasonal, warm or mulled drinks to choose from. She expanded her tastes in the winter months, and relished each flavour. Robin had a preference for black coffee; it was bitter and caffeinated and fuelled his long nights of dissecting information on various villains, keeping him going through his unparalleled determination. Starfire preferred cold juices; their sweet, fruity flavours reminded her of happiness. It was no surprise that Cyborg and Beast Boy favoured carbonated, caffeinated and highly sugared brand beverages that kept them hyped up for their late night gaming sessions.
But despite these diverging tastes, the Titans all came together on a cold winter's night to indulge in a steaming cup of apple cider, tangy and sweet and laced with cinnamon. Raven's lips tingled appreciatively as she took a steady gulp, bringing her mug back down to settle in her lap, both of her hands clasped tight around its warmth. Beast Boy yawned wide beside her, his own cup empty and quickly cooling and placed on the floor beneath him. He fidgeted on the sofa in an attempt to become more comfortable, and wordlessly laid his head on Raven's shoulder. And she let him. He didn't sleep though, and when he saw Raven place her now empty cup down onto the floor he sat back up, and pulled her down to rest against him, and once she was comfortable he laid his head back down again, atop of hers. Just before she succumbed to fatigue, Raven felt him place a gentle kiss to her hair.