Chapter thirteen: Peppermint.
The original candy canes were red and white and peppermint, but over the years the colours and flavours had multiplied and the sales had soared, but raven had a soft spot for the 'real' candy canes. And it wasn't so much the treats themselves, she just loved peppermint. Peppermint tea had been one of her favourites for some time, the majority of teas were in fact herbal remedies and Raven indulged in not only the flavours but their benefits. Peppermint helped with dizziness, and by extension nausea and headaches. Surprisingly enough, it also helped with the common cold, which was particularly catching in the winter, obviously. So, Raven's preferred winter brew was indeed peppermint. She did break it out at other times of year of course, enjoying a steaming cup all year through. Another great thing about peppermint was that it relieved stress.
It wasn't just its medical aid that Raven utilised; she simply loved its taste. It was so fresh, almost harsh in its icy mint, it suited the season tremendously. And it helped with bad breath. She drank down its minty flavour, revelling in its intensity – so far from sweetness – as it washed down her throat.
Raven had noticed over the past few days how drained Beast Boy seemed, she'd at first put it down to the stress of the holiday season, but he moved almost sluggishly, and only when she really thought back over it did she notice how much he sniffled. It was no surprise when he came through the common room doors full up with a horrendous cold. He was transforming to animals big and small, some of which that shouldn't even have been out of water, and he was feeling and looking terrible.
Without a thought Raven handed him her steaming brew that she'd only minutes earlier prepared for herself. She figured he needed it much more than she did.