"Snkkkt...Crkkks...snkkkt-hello?..."

I flip a page in the book.

I read...read...read...

"...snkkkt...snkkkt-are you there-skkkt!..."

"...?" I raise an eyebrow above my pages...

"snkkkt...crkkkkt-calling from the Manor...please pick up..."

I turn my head.

I glance at the Titan Computer.

The communication system continues to hiss and produce static.

"...hrmmmm..."

I slap my book closed.

I get up from the kitchen stool...leaving my tea behind.

I shuffle across the main room.

I sit at the computer, cross my legs, and press a button like a switchboard operator.

"Yes...Titan's Tower. Raven speaking. Who is this?" I drone in swift dullness.

"Snkkkkt--Ah, about time I reached through! I was calling on multiple frequencies. I can't believe I've been boorish enough to forget the exact number I was given last time. But--no matter."

I blink. "Uhm..."

"Is Master Dick there? I needed to ask him a question regarding his semester take-home exams."

"..." I lean my head closer towards the communicator. "I beg your pardon?"

"Oh, is he trying to evade them again? I swear, for such a workaholic, Master Dick always fouls up when it comes to the important things. Erm...th-that is, the important things at home."

"I-I'm afraid I don't know who or what you're talking about sir."

"Is that so? Hehehe...are you one of Barbara's friends? Please, child. You need not cover for him. It only makes things all the worse when it catches up with the boy. And it wouldn't do you any more good than him to see Master Bruce angry."

"...who is this?" I squint my violet eyes. "...do you know who you're calling?"

"Why, of course! I-..." An awkward silence. "...this isn't the Grayson flat in Manhattan?"

"Uh...no. This is California. Titan's Tower. Jump City?.?.?"

"...oh bullocks. I WOULD do that again, wouldn't I...erm...errr...and y-you would happen to be--?"

"Raven. Of the Teen Titans."

"Good heavens! Erm...w-wrong number!"

"Are you sure, sir?"

"Erm...N-No, actually...th-this...eh...Th-Th-This is a PRANK CALL! Y-Yes...I...er...I have taken notice that certain royal prince by the title of Albert has habituated himself in your canneries. Yes...do be a good lass and let him out of his cylindrical confinement, will you?...oh dear...dear..." CLICK! Beep-Beep-Beep-Beep-Beep-Beep...

My pale brow furrows. I slowly flick the switch and silence the phone line.

"...okaaaaaaaaaay..."

Silence...

I run a hand through my short, blue strands and sit there. Bathed in the light of midday gray and confused afterglow.

"...we should get call-waiting..."

I stand up. I walk back towards the kitchen table.

Just at the same time, the elevator doors open.

Cyborg, Terra, Beast Boy, and Robin walk into view.

"Boo-Yaaaa! After a fine afternoon round of kickin' Mumbo Jumbo's butt, the boys are BACK!"

"I've noticed," I drone. "All four of you."

"HEY!" Terra frowns...then grins. "Don't insult Beast Boy!"

"Hehehe! Yeah! You tell 'er--HEY!"

"Hehehehehehe!" Terra giggles and gives Beast Boy a dutch rub.

"Owowowowow! Stoppit! You're damaging my do!"

"Do and do-not. Have and have-not! Have stomach...will SUNNY D!"

"OOOH! OOH! SUNNY D!"

"Uh uh! I'm first to the fridge!"

"Not if I out-scurry you!"

Beast Boy and Terra excitedly race past me.

My robe and blue hair flutter in the 'breeze' of their zooming figures.

"...," I blink. "...yeah..." I pick up my book and tea. "...I'm taking this to the rooftop."

"Good idea, sunshine," Cyborg winks at me as he walks by. "Beautiful weather. Perfect timing. You do know how to make use of a beautiful day, eh girl?"

"Yeah...I try not to slip date rape drugs into its drink."

"Funny...in the usually miserable way."

"Enjoy your rust."

"Hey, Raven," Robin walks up and waves. "Anything to report?"

"Well, since Starfire's been sleeping all day--"

"I wonder who she learns THAT from!" Terra giggles from the rustling background.

I pause. My temple pulses. I relax. I continue. "--I've been monitoring the rest of the events outside of Mumbo's robbery. Nothing really big to report."

"I see. Thanks for keeping watch--"

"Except for one thing...nnngh...Never mind," I wave a hand and walk past him. "It's stupid..."

"No. Tell me," the leader says, his hands on his hips. "What was it?"

"...a phone call. Probably a prankster. Most likely some senile senior citizen."

"Calling the Tower?"

"Yeah. Those things happen. Technology and whatnot."

Robin nods. He scratches his head. "I don't suppose it was someone we might somehow know...?"

My lips curve somewhat. "Robin...a senior citizen? The Titans? Didn't you just get done beating the brains in of one earlier?"

Robin winces. "Okay, Okay...point taken..."

"Though...," I glance aside and murmur to myself. "He did seem to be looking for someone..."

"Whoever it is, I'm sure he'll come to his senses..."

"Or die."

"Yeah...that...Thanks a bunch. Enjoy your reading."

"Right..."

Robin walks off.

I head into the elevator.

I take a sip from my tea.

I walk in, press the button to the rooftop.

And I linger.

"...who was he looking for...?"

Silence.

Ding!

The elevator doors start to close.

I tilt my head up.

I lean forward and call out through the shutting doors.

"Hey! Dick!"

For a split second, I see three faces turning and looking at me.

And then the doors close.

As the elevator rises up, I think about the faces that shared my glance.

Terra...

Beast Boy...

Cyborg...

But Robin...

Robin didn't look.

"Hmmm...," I smirk ever so slightly and raise the teacup in 'cheers'. "...interesting..."

I sip the last of the tea.

"...very..."