December 25, 2012

"This BLOWS, man."

"I know, grass stain."

"I mean, it's Christmas, and Raven's sick!"

"She never really got into the spirit to begin with..."

"It doesn't matter, Cy. A family should all be together today."

"Well B, everything happens for a reason."

Raven groaned and arose from her slumber. She rubbed her eyes and attempted to simply sit up, having had a bad night, but nausea once again overwhelmed her senses and instead she ran for the bathroom, ridding her body of her stomach's remaining contents. Once done, she flushed, wiped her mouth, and brushed her teeth. She showered, got dressed, ran a comb through her damp hair, and headed toward the kitchen for breakfast.

She had hoped to leave the little incident from the morning behind her, but the need to barf decided to perform an encore, and she found herself making a mad dash for the nearest restroom. After she finished coughing up what was mostly saliva and stomach acid, she flushed and went to the sink to rinse her mouth. She looked at herself in the mirror and took note of the bags under her eyes, most likely caused by her choppy sleep. She rubbed her face with her wet hands and dried herself off. Walking out, she bumped into Cyborg. The force of the impact, not exactly strong, still knocked her down. She crumbled to the floor with little to no grace. He quickly put her back on her feet.

"Sorry, little lady…Rae, did ya hear me? I'm sorry." He waved a hand in front of her face, to which she promptly reacted to by running back to the toilet to vomit again.

"RAVEN!" Cyborg ran to her side and kneeled down, holding her hair and rubbing her back. She finished quickly, flushing the porcelain throne and rinsing her mouth out. She wiped the excess water away.

"How many times has this happened since you went to sleep last night after the celebration?" Cyborg was now leaning against the doorway in a casual fashion that wouldn't have been threatening if it weren't for the fact that he blocked her escape.

"Eleven."

"Mmm, I see. And WHY exactly did you not wake me to inform me of this?"

"I didn't want to bother you." Raven lowered her eyes to the ground.

"C'mon Rave, you know that if you need me, at ANY time, just say the word and I'm there."

"I'm fine, Cyborg. I won't require your assistance." Raven droned, ignoring his use of her pet name. She floated towards him, expecting him to move, but he didn't budge.

"Raven, if you don't want me to treat you, then at least let me carry you to the Common Room. You're drained. After eating maybe you'll be strong enough to move on your own. I can tell you're having a hard time just levitating."

However much she hated to admit it, he was right. It wasn't easy to get around the way she was feeling.

"Fine."

It sure was a good day to be alive, thought Beast Boy. He and his wife were not fighting, in fact, they had actually made love the night before, she was with child, and it was Christmas. What more could a guy ask for? Famous last words.

The door swished open to reveal Cyborg carrying a paler-looking Raven. Once he set her in a chair he began to cook, ignoring the four pairs of inquisitive eyes on his back.

"Uh, dude? What's up with you two?"

Cyborg turned to look at Beast Boy, his eyes full of worry. Raven didn't do sick. This was the first time she had ever been sick while on the team, so Cyborg couldn't help but be overwhelmed.

"She's sick."

"Oh, Raven! Are you the okay?" Starfire floated over to the blue-clad girl who had her head on the table. She rested her hand on Raven's shoulder.

"I've been better." Raven deadpanned, turning her head slightly to look at her orange friend.

"Are you still up for missions? Christmas is a busy day." Robin approached the two girls.

"I'll be fi-Star? Could you pass me the trash can?" Raven brought her hand to her mouth, and once Starfire put the bin in front of her, she let out yet another stream of vomit.

"Raven, you'll be on bed rest today, doctor's orders. You'll hafta drink a lot of water to keep you hydrated. Star, could ya take her to her room? I'll make her some chicken soup." Cyborg's expression was assertive and went to the cupboards to fetch the proper ingredients for a signature Titan broth. Beast Boy followed him and attempted to convince him to use a substitute, beginning the usual argument over eating real animals or substitutes, a.k.a. Meat VS Tofu extravaganza.

"Come, friend." The alien princess lifted Raven in much the same manner Cyborg had brought her in. Raven didn't protest, she knew that she'd only feel like crap if she tried to push herself, and that it'd be better to rest it off instead of causing the illness to grow stronger. Starfire then flew them out the door.

During the whole exchange Terra simply sat on a bar stool, observing everything with ice blue eyes that were seemingly devoid of emotion.

"B?"

"Yeah, chrome dome?"

"Could ya just shut up about your stinkin' tofu and take this to Raven?" He handed the tray topped with a bowl of steaming soup and a large glass of water to the changeling.

"Sure thing. Though, are you sure ya don't wanna go see the wizard, the wonderful wizard of Oz, yourself to ask her for a heart?" Beast Boy teased, knocking on the metal plating where his heart should be encased.

"Nah, I'll just let you ask for a brain."

Terra, who had been half-heartedly watching the duo squabble for the last half hour, giggled.

"I resent that." With a dignified snort, Beast Boy stormed out of the room.

Cyborg smirked and turned his attention to the geomancer. "So Ter, tell me, was what I think I heard last night coming from your room by any chance?"

"Oh stuff it, tin can. Just 'cause you never get any action in the bedroom doesn't mean others don't." Terra bragged, grinning smugly.

"I resent that." The metal man grumbled and walked out, visibly defeated. The blonde had quickly picked up on the skill of banter that prevailed so much between the Titans, and was only bested by Raven, whose cold remarks could slice through most anyone. Raven also selected her battles wisely, unlike Terra, and had a more uniform way of hurling insults at people. Terra, on the other hand, was more impromptu, a talent others had to give her props for.

Terra hummed and happily rubbed her ever-growing tummy. She grabbed a piece of sweet bread and headed over to the couch to watch some TV. They probably weren't going to exchange and open any gifts until Raven got better, so she decided to deem it a normal day and went about her typical pregnancy routine. Christmas would have to wait.

Newspapers, magazines, blueprints, and police reports were among the things that were strewn over the desk where a masked teen sat, lost in thought. He pushed his chair back and shot up, slamming his fists on the desk. He started pacing, muttering incoherencies. He was two men down, well, women down, and the next week was expected to be killer. Villains loved to ruin the holidays, and didn't consider it a vacation, far from one actually. When only Terra was out for the count, the team dynamic still worked. The Titans hadn't forgotten how to fight as a quintet, and though Terra's strength complimented the team nicely, her power wasn't exactly unique. Raven's dark energy could conjure rock and earth as well. Terra just immensely added to the team's overall power. However, with Raven down, the whole telekinesis portion of the superpower spectrum would be lost. The Titans would be weak. It could even prove to be fatal. Robin knew that he couldn't call a replacement in. The Honorary Titans were busy in their own sectors, and the Titan's East would be in the same position as Robin's team if he asked for them to send someone. There was just no solution other than for Raven to recover quickly, and he berated himself for not being able to think of another solution.

"Robin? It is the time of lunch."

Robin spun on his heel, clearly surprised by the voice. He hadn't even heard the door open, being lost in his own world and all. He gave her a forced but well-meaning smile and told her he'd be out in a minute. Starfire sighed. She despised how he could be in his office for hours on end, isolating himself and churning the same thing in his mind over and over until it made sense. It might've made him the amazing leader he was, but it'd also put a huge strain in their relationship. His fear of commitment only worsened the tension, and Starfire was left to wonder when their relationship would crumble completely.

Five Titans sat in the large booth in their kitchen, enjoying Chicago deep dish pizza, courtesy of Kid Flash who had actually run to Chicago to get them authentic pizza. It was his Christmas present to them, and they all thoroughly enjoyed it, even with their minds preoccupied. The speedster had even gotten the chefs to cook a special pizza to accommodate Beast Boy's vegan diet, making the changeling truly appreciate the gift, more so than the others. Kid Flash's thoughtfulness had brightened everyone's mood, though the fact that the space to Beast Boy's left was empty wasn't lost to the others. Having their dear friend bedridden had cast a gloom that just couldn't be shrugged off. The only one who didn't seem to be shaken was the pregnant geomancer. She actually seemed more exuberant, and the other Titans weren't surprised. Even Beast Boy knew of their rivalry, but since it was never spoken, no one did anything about it. It didn't affect the team's productivity negatively, quite the opposite actually. They constantly tried besting each other, preforming better each and every day on the battlefield. The day their resentment towards each other caused problems was the day Robin planned on addressing the situation.

"So, what's gonna happen when we're out on missions?"

"What do you exactly mean, Cyborg?" Starfire cocked her head to one side.

"Who's gonna stay with the girls?" Cyborg paused between chews.

Terra scoffed, "I think I'm perfectly capable of looking after myself."

"Yeah, but are you capable of looking after Raven?" Beast Boy's voice was low and raspy, and only his spouse was able to comprehend what he muttered. The glow from the night they had shared was gone, replaced with a feeling of, could it be? Hatred? No, it was more discontent and disappointment. His negative feelings toward his wife made him uneasy, but he was being honest with himself. Terra's practical elation about Raven's ailment hadn't gone unnoticed by the green teen, and even if his loyalty should've belonged to the blonde, he knew deep in the pit of his stomach that this was not the case. He had never dared delve deep into what the feeling was, but he knew it existed. In instances such as these, he acted upon the feeling, and he knew he was on the side of justice.

Terra did not expect the retort from the changeling, and stared at him incredulously. She would never have expected that from him. He had never verbally acknowledged hers and Raven's enmity, and now that he did he also insinuated things worse than the phrase could ever possibly mean in any other circumstance. Sure, the sorceress wasn't her favorite Titan, but she was a close friend of Beast Boy's, and she would never do something like that to him. She would never admit it, but Terra even feared Raven. She had heard about her many issues with the demon inside her from the other Titans, and had also heard of how she became the portal. Terra recognized the enchantress's superior power, as much as she hated it, and knew that her victory over her back in her dark days was a spurt of luck. Raven would not let her rage get the best of her anymore, and she would win. The geomancer would never be so full of herself to go pick a fight. Even if she had grown stronger, Raven had grown even stronger. It was a fact that pained her, made her feel weak.

Beast Boy rose from his seat abruptly and walked out the door. His exit might've been taken more seriously if it weren't for the way in which he comically took the remainder of the pizza with him. The three Titans chuckled, but Terra only stared forlornly at the closed door. Robin's voice pulled her out of her reverie.

"…fine on your own then?"

Terra looked at him, her face blank, mildly confused as she slowly processed what she had heard. She slowly nodded her head.

"Oh, friend. Please be careful. And do look after Raven. She is very ill. Give me a call if-"the red-head was interrupted by the blaring sirens. The lights flashed red.

"Trouble!"

Everyone ran to the console out of instinct, even Terra, whose curiosity had influenced her action. Beast Boy flew in in parrot form, not wanting to face the blonde if he didn't have to. He perched himself atop Cyborg's steel shoulder and stared at the screen. Robin typed furiously at the keyboard, and soon enough a map came up.

"It's Plasmus. Again."

"Must it always be the big monster of smelly goo?"

"The guy's annoying."

"At least it'll be a routine mission. C'mon team." Robin sent the coordinates to the communicators and ran to the double doors. Beast Boy flew behind him, Starfire following suit. Cyborg jogged after them, shouting for them to wait for him.

Terra sighed and began her trek to the purple-haired girl's room. She could only hope they'd return soon.

Raven groaned. She was trying to read a book, but she couldn't concentrate. She was near the point of dehydration, and made a note to ask Cyborg for an IV as soon as the team got back. She had heard the klaxon and wondered who they were after this time around. However, the need to know wasn't as strong as the pain would be if she reached for her communicator. She found it funny how she could still feel bloated after all that she barfed. Speaking of which, she grabbed the trash can that Starfire had so kindly placed on her bedside and coughed up whatever she could. A stray strand of hair came out of her messy bun, made from her now shoulder-blade length hair. She tucked it behind her ear, not wanting to get puke all over it. She wiped her mouth with a wipe from the pack Beast Boy had brought that she requested after he visited, and threw it in the bin. She popped in a breath mint, knowing she'd barf even if she didn't, and went back to her poor attempt at reading. Before she could get through the first line, there was a knock on the door. Raven knew it could only be one person, but decided that today was not the day to let a petty rivalry get the best of her.

"Come in, Terra."

"How'd you know it was me?" Terra lingered in the doorway, not knowing where to go. She'd never been in Raven's room, and stood marveling at how creepy her room was. In her opinion it was to be expected and fit her perfectly.

"Take a seat on the bed if you wish." The sorceress noticed the blonde's discomfort. She had decided not to fight. She lacked the energy to, and was the bigger person anyway.

Terra walked over to the bed, but didn't sit down. She didn't plan on staying long.

"I just wanted to know if…you were okay. That's all." The geomancer hadn't been this friendly to Raven since before the Titans knew of her betrayal, or as she referred to it as, her dark days. Ever since she came back and had Beast Boy wrapped around her finger almost instantly, Raven had been close to hostile. She had even threatened to hurt the blonde if she broke the changeling's heart a fourth time. Terra didn't know if she had done it out of romantic or platonic love, and she doubted she would ever find out. All she knew was that Raven held a deep resentment towards her, and Terra returned it. The purple-haired girl seemed over possessive of Beast Boy, and that made Terra indignant. It was his wife, who should worry about him, not her. The worst was that the green teen seemed to return the sentiment just as strong, leaving the rock queen to wonder if there was more to their relationship. She had many times assumed, but it could never be confirmed. Like the incident around a month ago when-

"Terra?" Raven's voice broke through the blonde's stupor. The girl had been staring into nothing for a minute, her eyebrows furrowed and her mouth twisted into a frown. She shook her head and scuffled to the door, murmuring incoherencies. Raven could make out a few words that suggested the geomancer had offered her service at the push of the communicator's button. Raven simply raised a brow and went back to her reading.

And there you have it! Chapter two. Now, as both an encouragement for others to review and because I love hearing from authors whenever I review, I introduce to you the IStillDon'tHaveANameForThis segment of the author's note:

iris129: Say your penname five times super fast! Go! Anyways, don't say when you'll update next. We both know you won't do it. You're too much of a procrastinator.

I resent that. Aaaand I proved you wrong! xP Never underestimate EBWHW43!

Norma D salinas: Good plot cx wet dreams ? Really yamster!?

Shhhhhh. Just because you know the plot doesn't mean others do! Miss you lots! And yes, wet dreams. And shhhhh, no one needs to know my nickname.

Nkcandygirl: Oooh! Update soon!

As I promised last chapter, I updated! And on time! While lengthy reviews are a delight, beggars aren't choosers and the fact that you took the time to review was greatly appreciated! I hope this chapter didn't disappoint!

Things are sure to pick up within the next two chapters. I just sometimes enjoy prolonged expositions, that is, as long as they serve some purpose. If you liked it, drop a review! I'd appreciate it. Expect an update on Sunday, as the chapter should be short anyways and I don't want to make you guys wait for something that just needs to be out of the way. Until Sunday! Toodles! ~EBWHW43