Chapter twenty three: Carols.
Raven was not one for singing, not under any circumstances. And the repetitive cheeriness of Christmas songs irked her beyond explanation. To many other people the singing of carols was a sure-fire way to spread festive cheer, but for Raven singing carols was a sure-fire way to dampen her mood. She'd been babysitting Melvin, Timmy and Teether one day a week before Christmas, and they had asked if she'd take them carolling. Raven almost reflexively told them there wasn't a chance. But, there was very little she wouldn't do for these kids, and as long as she supervised them, she theorised that she wouldn't actually have to do any singing.
Beast Boy came with her, he loved the kids and they loved him. Raven had quipped that it was because they had the same mental maturity, but in actuality she loved the side of Beast Boy that came out in their presence. He was so patient and sweet, and just like most girls, Raven found it attractive when boys weren't ashamed to act cute or dumb around children.
They went from house to house singing and collecting spare change and festive treats. Whenever Beast Boy got a candy cane he'd give it to Raven, knowing her fondness for the sweets. She smiled gratefully with her hood shrouding her glowing cheeks. Raven found that Beast Boy was actually an incredible singer. She hadn't anticipated this hidden talent of his, she'd always thought that Beast Boy's voice had a unique and indescribable quality, but she's simply never considered that it could sound so heavenly.
The kids knocked on the door and Beast Boy and Raven stood back at the edge of the porch, the children would start up in their song and Beast Boy would softly sing beside Raven, his voice low and husky and heard by her ear alone. Her breath caught in her throat and she had the sneaking suspicion that he knew what he was doing to her.
Melvin and Timmy turned back to their guardians with smiles full of pride as a giggling Teether reached out from Raven's arms to snatch up a treat or two. They continued on for quite a few blocks before their little legs began to tire, and Raven decided it was time to get them home. Beast Boy snagged up an exhausted Timmy before his quivering lip escalated to a full-blown tantrum and Raven smiled gratefully as she took Melvin's hand.
After Raven had tucked them snugly into bed she made her to the common room, where Beast Boy was waiting. He smiled warmly at her as she took a seat beside him, and she wanted to thank him for his aid, and she wanted so very much to admit that the entire experience had been a lot less awful that she'd anticipated, and that was because he'd been there. But for her, words never had come easy, so she didn't speak at all. She silently kissed his cheek, and retreated.